in force

1. Legally enforced; in effect. There was a law like that on the books, but I'm not sure it's still in force. The new government has vowed to put several policies in force, aimed at helping struggling citizens get by. The new law will be in force on the first of January.

2. In a large group; at full strength, as of an army. The voters are going to come out against you in force if you don't change your position on this. You better believe the fans will be there in force to support the team at the critical road game. Thankfully, their unit had already been diminished in battle and they couldn't come at us in force.

See also: force

*in force

1. [of a rule or law] currently valid or in effect. (*Typically: be ~.) Is this rule in force now? The constitution is still in force.

2. Fig. in a very large group. (*Typically: arrive ~; attack ~.) The entire group arrived in force. The mosquitoes will attack in force this evening.

See also: force

in force

1. In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force. This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]

2. Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force. This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]

See also: force

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

in force

in great strength or numbers.

1989 Amy Wilentz The Rainy Season They turned out in force, armed with machetes and cocomacaques.

See also: force

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

in ˈforce/ˈstrength

(of people) present in large numbers: The police were out in force to deal with any trouble at the demonstration. ♢ Party members appeared in strength to welcome the Prime Minister.

in force

1. In full strength; in large numbers: Demonstrators were out in force.

2. In effect; operative: a rule that is no longer in force.

See also: force

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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