vis major

American  

[vis mey-jer] / ˈvɪs ˈmeɪ dʒər /

noun

Law.

plural

vires majores

1. force majeure.

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vis major British  

/ ˈvɪs ˈmeɪdʒə /

noun

1. See force majeure

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Etymology

Origin of vis major

First recorded in 1595–1605, vis major is from Latin vīs major “greater force”

Example Sentences

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

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

Nationalization is the cardinal fact, the vis major, on each side.

From The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin

Then, ah! then, continued Homenas, no hail, frost, ice, snow, overflowing, or vis major; then plenty of all earthly goods here below.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony