Respondendo ao que você perguntou: "força" means cheer on!

Forca, is an instrument used to hang the person. Força is used when you want to say someone is strong or has... ok

força usually means strength: A força de mil homens. (the strength of a thousand men) O João bateu-me com muita força. (John hit me very hard) Falar com a rita deu-me a força necessária para enfrentar o João (Talking to Rita gave me the strength I needed to face John.) also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tciorxLHOHo In a figurated meaning it can also mean cheer on: Força Manuel! Já só faltam 2 km! (Cheer on Manuel! There are only 2 km left!)

Cheer Up is the same as dar força, but cheer on is torcer. Forca was a kind of death penalty, gallows.

Thank you ~