vis major
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of vis major
First recorded in 1595–1605, vis major is from Latin vīs major “greater force”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Spain an act of the 30th of January 1900, adopted the Spain. principle of the personal responsibility of the employer for accidents to workmen other than those due to vis major.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various
When I say that you ought to choose, I except vis major and fear, which destroy all power of choice.
From L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits by Stewart, Aubrey
Under Roman law, it was the rule in contracts for rent that a tenant was not bound to pay if any vis major prevented him from reaping.
From Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913 by Baring, Evelyn
Nationalization is the cardinal fact, the vis major, on each side.
From The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin
During the American invasion, in the autumn of 1775, Monsieur Menut, owing to a vis major, was forced to entertain a rather boisterous and wilful class of customers: Richard Montgomery and his warlike Continentals.
From Picturesque Quebec : a sequel to Quebec past and present by Le Moine, J. M. (James MacPherson), Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
