i coudn’t find any definition for “impress forcibly”. Would instill fear/strike fear in/ intimidate be apt or too harsh? Is the phrase meant to be used in a milder sense?
Some context would be helpful. “Forcibly impress” is a perfectly useful phrase with a clear meaning.
I’ve looked for definitions and haven’t found any. Perhaps you could cite the definition you’re familiar with. Is the definition you are familiar with positive? neutral?, negative ?
The problem with the phrase is the word ‘forcibly’. Does the phrase mean to impress in an awe-inspiring way or in an intimidating way? Can it mean both?
Godsmacked
Shock and awe.
Brought me to my knees.
Stunned.
Thanks Si_Amigo.
I don’t see how “forcibly” means “awe-inspiring”. To my mind they are opposites.
Bragging while holding a weapon?
For what it’s worth, every time I’ve heard this phrase, it’s been in the context of impressment.
Without the context the OP is looking at we’re all just guessing. So, OP, what IS the context where you see this phrase?
That’s the real issue. Its usually the event that brings about the phrase. Like I was in shock and awe of the militarys strike on Iraq. I was stunned by what she said. I was godsmaked by the power of that storm.
As in “I want to impress forcibly my future in-laws” or “I want to impress forcibly my fist against that idiot’s face”?
I’ve seen it in that context to, but more often in the sense (it seemed to me) of awe or shock. Si_Amigo got it right. I seem to remember it being used differently in different contexts but I’ve never actually come across a definition of the phrase in any dictionary, online or otherwise.
Dictionaries define words not phrases.
There is no definition of a phrase without context. it depends on the writer/speaker.
Sure. Look at the rest of the context.
I would say both, with the phrase chosen to work ironically, implying the stronger meaning through the weaker. Just as, in diplomat-speak, “a full and frank exchange of views”, could mean an all-out row if not an actual punch-up.
Though of course the connection with being impressed into service makes absolute sense. One more argument for needing the context.
“implore” could work, as others have said though, it depends on context.
This is when the Hand of God comes down from a cloud and whacks you upside the head ? 
Extort? Coerce? Rouse? Galvanize?
I immediately thought of “overwhelm”