forcing

Pluralforcings

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of force. Use this -ing form when the action is ongoing or named as a thing.

   She is forcing herself to finish the homework.

   Forcing the window made a loud crack.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The skill of growing plants earlier than usual, often with added heat.

   Like keeping a plant warm so it grows before the weather is ready.

   Forcing lets gardeners enjoy strawberries weeks before summer.

   With careful forcing, she had tulips blooming in midwinter.

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   The change in how much energy enters or leaves a system.

   Like adding or taking away blankets that change how warm something stays.

   A small forcing can warm the whole planet over time.

   Scientists measure the forcing caused by extra carbon dioxide.

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable or uncountable

   Developing a too-dark film negative for longer to bring out hidden detail.

   Like leaving bread in the oven a bit longer so it finishes baking.

   Forcing helped save the dark photos from the cave trip.

   A little forcing brought out the faces hidden in the shadows.

   Similarpushing

   Oppositepulling

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A math method used to show that certain rules in set theory do not clash.

   Like adding a new piece to a puzzle to show two pieces can fit together.

   Forcing showed that a famous set-theory question cannot be settled by the usual rules.

   Students usually meet forcing late in a course on set theory.

   Note
6. 6
   adjective

   Describing a bid in bridge that makes your partner keep bidding instead of passing.

   Like a question that someone has to answer: they can't just stay quiet.

   Her forcing bid told her partner not to pass.

   In bridge, a forcing call keeps the auction alive.

   Note

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