The crossword solution for the term 'PUTS DOWN BY FORCE' is DUES, which is a four-letter word. DUES is defined as a payment or contribution that is required to be made by a person or group in order to fulfill an obligation or gain a privilege. It is usually a regular payment made to a person or organization, such as a union or club. In this context, it could refer to a payment made to a government or other authority in order to maintain peace and order.