force majeure

American  

[fawrs ma-zhœr] / fɔrs maˈʒœr /

noun

Law.

plural

forces majeures

1. an unexpected and disruptive event that may operate to excuse a party from a contract.

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force majeure British  

/ ˈfɔːs mæˈʒɜː, -ˈdʒʊə /

noun

1. law irresistible force or compulsion such as will excuse a party from performing his or her part of a contract

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Etymology

Origin of force majeure

First recorded in 1880–85; from French: literally, “superior force”

Example Sentences

We were unplugged by necessity, by force majeure, by decree of Xcel Energy Inc., and compelled to set aside our screens.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nexperia declared the continuing situation a “force majeure” event, the people say, citing a provision that generally can excuse companies from contractual obligations when facing an extraordinary situation.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s just convenient and easy for people who want to spend their time pointing fingers instead of looking forward. This was an act of God. This was a force majeure. This was beyond anybody’s control.”

From Los Angeles Times

The landlocked country is facing an economic crisis due to a decline in oil exports after war-torn Sudan declared force majeure on oil shipments – South Sudan’s main export — passing through the country in March.

From Seattle Times

"People aren't here by choice, some are here for unfortunate reason, by 'force majeure', but some are great fun."

From BBC