force majeure

American  

[fawrs ma-zhœr] / fɔrs maˈʒœr /

noun

Law.

forces majeures plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• forces majeures
  plural

Etymology

Origin of force majeure

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

force majeure

Although global LNG exports increased in June to their highest level since March, according to ANZ analysts, QatarEnergy recently extended force majeure on some LNG shipments, fueling market nervousness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

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

Alba—a leading aluminum producer in Bahrain—declared force majeure, freeing the company from its contractual liabilities, on March 4 due to the conflict, according to multiple sources.

From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026

So the young man yielded to force majeure and allowed you to travel with him?" said the Rector, adding seriously: "I'm very thankful he did.

From The Splendid Folly by Pedler, Margaret