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.
The Heat force-fed him the ball. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026 Having drunk excessive amounts of water to conceal her anorexia, she was hospitalized and force-fed. — Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026 The United States, which can gobble up Olympic medals and force-feed its brand of football to a happy audience across the pond, has had to cede superiority to the rest of the world, unable to even get its own term for the game to catch on. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 And before the perpetually whiny and moronic peanut gallery says that sports teams have special nights all the time, that’s true, but celebrating heritage, or veterans who fought and died for this country is just an eency weency bit different than force-feeding the gay agenda at a ball game! — Tomi Lahren Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 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 7 Jul. 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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