force majeure

/ˌfɔːrs mæˈʒɜːr/ French Origin Law

Original Word

force majeure

French

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "force majeure"

From French 'force majeure', literally 'greater force'. A legal concept referring to extraordinary events beyond a party's control (natural disasters, war) that prevent contract fulfillment. The term became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Example Usage

"The contract includes a force majeure clause covering natural disasters and pandemics."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

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