How is a force defined?

A force is defined as a push or a pull that can cause an object to change its motion, either by starting it moving, stopping it, or altering its direction. This definition emphasizes the action involved in forces, as they are responsible for changing the state of rest or motion of an object. Forces can arise from various interactions, such as contact forces (like friction or tension) and non-contact forces (like gravitational or magnetic forces). Understanding this concept is fundamental in physics, as it lays the groundwork for studying motion and dynamics.