forcible entry

idiom

chiefly US
: entering a building or room by using force to open a door or window
The door showed signs of forcible entry.

Examples of forcible entry 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 front door of the house was open, though there was no sign of forcible entry. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025 Indiana law states that a person who forcibly enters a vehicle to remove a domestic animal is responsible for half of the cost of repairing the vehicle damage directly caused by the person's forcible entry if certain criteria aren't met. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 18 June 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Forcible entry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forcible%20entry. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

forcible entry

noun
1
: the unlawful taking of possession of real property by force or threats of force against the lawful possessor see also forcible entry and detainer
2
: unlawful entry into or onto another's property especially when accompanied by force
forcible entry of an automobile
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