To exert force: (a) to press upon (an adversary), make war upon (a people); (b) to compel or constrain (someone to do something); (c) to violate (a woman), to rape; (d) ppl. forced as adj.: coercive, imposed by force.

To strengthen (something), fortify (a castle), reinforce (an army).

To exert oneself, strive (to do something), endeavor; -- (a) with or (b) without refl. pron.

forcen litel (not), (a) to be of little (or no) importance; not to matter; (b) to regard (something) as unimportant, to care little about.

Cook. To season or garnish (a dish).