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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of force majeure

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

Example Sentences

Earnings visibility should remain supported by firm LNG charter contracts with QatarEnergy, easing concerns about potential disruptions after QatarEnergy’s force majeure on LNG supply obligations, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and a force majeure at Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility have knocked roughly a third External link of the world’s helium supply offline.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

QatarEnergy declared force majeure on some LNG contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"Our results are most consistent with people moving under force majeure, relying on family networks to navigate crisis."

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Then you came in—and by force majeure compelled me to give it all up!'

From Elizabeth's Campaign by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.