Definition

To take away or keep something from someone by using force, especially in a legal context.

Example

The court ruled that the landlord had deforced the tenant's property.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that case where someone tried to deforce a family from their home?

Yeah, that's really shocking! How could someone do that?

I know, right? It's so unfair to deforce people like that.

Exactly, everyone deserves a safe place to live.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deforce is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "force" (from Latin "fortis", meaning strong or powerful). The word describes the act of using strength to remove or take something away by force.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking something away' ('de-') with 'strength' ('force') — that's why deforce means to forcibly remove.

Visually Confused Words