The expression was first used in the southern part of the United States to describe the use of force to win an election.

VOA: special.2009.02.15

The commander was to use force to oppose any attempt by Texas to seize the territory.

VOA: special.2009.04.09

Two weeks after the Spanish-American War began, the Army sent a small force to Cuba.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

It was ordered to put pressure on Johnston's force to prevent it from helping Beauregard.

VOA: special.2009.08.27

These professional criminals often used force to take what they wanted -- cows,horses or money.

VOA: special.2010.03.10

And last July it added Hezbollah's military force to its list of banned organizations.

VOA: special.2009.03.07

He asked Congress for permission to use military force to bring peace to Cuba.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

So he decided to trick him. While most of his army withdrew and prepared to join Beauregard, Johnston sent a small force to attack Patterson's army.

VOA: special.2009.08.27

Spain sent a large force to Cuba to crush the revolt.

VOA: special.2010.07.08

Brown said he expected his small force to grow much larger.

VOA: special.2009.06.18

"Within that week with support, of the body weight support, we were able to get him to stand without any help at the legs so he was generating enough force to bear his body weight."

VOA: special.2011.06.01

But the naval blockade remains in force to prevent weapons smuggling to the ruling Palestinian militant group Hamas.

VOA: standard.2010.07.12

"I want you guys to understand I will never hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests.

VOA: standard.2009.11.13

In his first days in office, he signed an order to do so, and appointed a task force to look into details.

VOA: standard.2009.05.20