in mechanics, denotes the cause of the change in the state of a body when, being at rest, it begins to move, or has a motion which is either not uniform or not direct. See MECHANICS.

Central Forces. See MECHANICS.

Centrifugal Force. See CENTRIFUGAL.

law, signifies any unlawful violence offered to things or persons, and is divided into simple and compound. Simple force is what is so committed, that it has no other crime attending it; as where a person by force enters on another's possession, without committing any other unlawful act. Compound force, is where some other violence is committed with such an act which of itself alone is criminal; as if one enters by force into another's house, and there kills a person, or ravishes a woman. There is likewise a force implied in law, as in every trespass, rescue, or disseisin, and an actual force with weapons, number of persons, &c.—Any person may lawfully enter a tavern, inn, or victualling-house; so may a landlord his tenant's house to view repairs, &c. But if, in these cases, the person that enters commits any violence or force, the law will intend that he entered for that purpose.