force majeure

noun

force ma·​jeure ˌfȯrs-mä-ˈzhər 

-mə-

1

: superior or irresistible force

2

: an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled compare act of god

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Force majeure translates literally from French as superior force. In English, the term is often used in line with its literal French meaning, but it has other uses as well, including one that has roots in a principle of French law. In business circles, "force majeure" describes those uncontrollable events (such as war, labor stoppages, or extreme weather) that are not the fault of any party and that make it difficult or impossible to carry out normal business. A company may insert a force majeure clause into a contract to absolve itself from liability in the event it cannot fulfill the terms of a contract (or if attempting to do so will result in loss or damage of goods) for reasons beyond its control.

Examples of force majeure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only significant difference is that a force majeure defense can only be used if the governing contract provides for it. —Christopher A. Combs, The Arizona Republic, 24 Sep. 2024

Another uncontrollable delay cause is what’s known as force majeure, which could be like a general strike, riot or coup that would compromise safe airline operations. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2024

Indeed, an ongoing drought in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state affected the region’s petrochemical industry, leading some Mexican producers to declare force majeure, an unforeseeable development that prevents contracts from being fulfilled. —David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

The disaster prompted Ecuador’s private OCP oil pipeline to suspend operations and declare force majeure. —Reuters, NBC News, 19 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, superior force

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Legal Definition

force majeure

noun

force ma·​jeure ˈfȯrs-ma-ˈzhər, -mȧ-ˈzhœ̅r 

1

: superior or insuperable force

2

: an event (as war, labor strike, or extreme weather) or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled : fortuitous event compare act of god, inevitable accident

Etymology

French, superior force