The phrase "force back" is spelled using the IPA phonetic symbols as /fɔːrs bak/. The first sound /f/, represents the voiceless labiodental fricative, followed by /ɔːr/, which represents the long open-mid back rounded vowel. The final sound is a combination of the voiceless velar fricative /k/ and the voiced velar stop /g/ represented by /s/ and /b/, respectively. This phrase is commonly used to describe the act of pushing or driving something back.
Force back is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of pushing or driving something or someone away in a forceful manner. It involves exerting power or strength to repel or resist a person or object's forward movement or progress. When force back is employed, it implies using physical energy or pressure to counteract the force or pressure applied by the opposing party.
In a literal sense, force back can be applied in various scenarios, such as a defensive maneuver in a physical confrontation or a situation where one must physically repulse or drive someone away. This act typically demands physical force, strength, or resistance. For example, a person might use their hands or body to force back an attacker, preventing them from advancing or causing harm.
Force back can also be used metaphorically to describe actions or efforts made to reject or resist a particular influence, idea, or external pressure. It implies actively opposing or rejecting something by exerting mental or emotional strength. For instance, one might force back negative thoughts or emotions, resisting their impact on their well-being. Additionally, force back can be utilized in describing a person's defiance against societal norms or practices.
Overall, force back encompasses both physical and metaphorical scenarios where a person counters or opposes something or someone by exerting some form of force, strength, or resistance.
The etymology of the phrase "force back" can be understood by analyzing the origins of each word separately.
1. Force:
The word "force" comes from the Old French word "force", which was derived from the Latin word "fortia" meaning "strong" or "powerful". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "fortis" which carries a similar meaning of strength or power.
2. Back:
The word "back" can be traced back to the Old English word "bæc", which has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "bah" and Old Norse "bak". These ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word "bakam" meaning "back" or "reverse side".
When these two words "force" and "back" are combined, the phrase "force back" implies the action of using strength or power to move something in the opposite or reverse direction.