force-feed

verb

ˈfȯrs-ˌfēd How to pronounce force-feed (audio)
force-fed ˈfȯrs-ˌfed How to pronounce force-feed (audio) ; force-feeding
Synonyms of force-feednext

transitive verb

1
: to feed (a person or an animal) by forcible administration of food
2
: to force to take in
force-feed students the classics
—also used with a single object
force-feed the classics to students
force-feed students with the classics

Examples of force-feed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while Porsche uses the MGU to directly spin the turbo, this SRT doo-hickey is simply force-feeding air to the turbos more quickly. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026 The Emira’s sills are more sculpted, and its side intakes now sit within a scoop, force-feeding a greater amount of air to the AMG engine. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026 Gone are the days of three networks, and in its place is non-stop video being force-fed into our eye holes thanks to social media. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 When so much of the online algorithm force-feeds division, the World Cup has presented a new, uplifting form of viral content; unifying, cross-cultural, a reminder, should it be required, that most people actually like one another. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for force-feed

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of force-feed was in 1901

Rhymes for force-feed

See All Rhymes for force-feed

Browse Nearby Words

forced ventilation
force-feed
force field
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Force-feed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force-feed. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

force-feed

verb
ˈfō(ə)rs-ˌfēd, 
ˈfȯ(ə)rs-
force-fed
-ˌfed
 ; force-feeding
1
: to feed (an animal or person) by forcefully giving food
2
: to force to take in
force-feed the classics to students

More from Merriam-Webster on force-feed

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for force-feed

Nglish: Translation of force-feed for Spanish Speakers

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