in force
Idioms-
In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force . This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]
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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force . This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Other U.S. installations in Germany, including Spangdahlem Air Base and the command headquarters in Stuttgart, play supporting roles in force deployment and strategic planning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
A4E, which also counts Lufthansa, British Airways-parent IAG, Ryanair and easyJet among its members, had been loudly critical of the European Union's open skies deal with Qatar, in force since 2021.
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
And yet Petzold’s gift for seasoning truth with elusiveness is fully in force, giving this airy yet ghost-charged rescue story a welcome intelligence to go with its unforced emotion.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026
Giving evidence Supt Simon Allardice rejected much of this but conceded there was opportunity for a fuller briefing after Calocane was arrested but a high alert level was still in force.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
He sent a note to Longstreet telling him that the Union infantry had arrived in force.
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
