force majeure
A sudden flood was declared a force majeure, delaying the construction project.
- Noun:
- An overwhelming, unforeseeable, and uncontrollable event: "force majeure" refers to a major disruptive event that is beyond human control and could not have been reasonably anticipated or prevented, such as a war, natural disaster, or act of God.
- A contractual clause: In legal and business contexts, "force majeure" also names a standard clause in contracts that frees both parties from liability or obligation when such an extraordinary event occurs.
- Noun:
- The shipping company invoked force majeure after the hurricane destroyed the port.
- The contract includes a detailed force majeure clause covering pandemics and government lockdowns.
- The failure to deliver was due to force majeure, not negligence.
"To invoke force majeure": to formally cite a force majeure event as the reason for being unable to fulfill a contract.
- The manufacturer had to invoke force majeure when a key supplier's factory was seized by the government.
"A force majeure event": a specific incident that qualifies under the force majeure clause.
- The earthquake was declared a force majeure event, suspending all construction deadlines.
Act of God (n): A term often used synonymously in insurance and law, specifically for natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. It is a subset of force majeure events.
- Most property insurance covers damage caused by an act of God.
Vis major (n): A Latin term with the same legal meaning as "force majeure."
- The principle of vis major relieves a party from contractual duties under extraordinary circumstances.
- Unforeseeable circumstance: An unanticipated situation.
- Casus fortuitus: A Latin term for an accidental or chance event.
- Irresistible force: An overwhelming power that cannot be opposed.
Force majeure clause: The specific section in a contract detailing the conditions.
- Before signing, carefully review the force majeure clause.
Force majeure certificate: An official document issued (e.g., by a chamber of commerce) to prove such an event occurred.
- The exporter provided a force majeure certificate to the buyer.
- Beyond one's control: Used to describe events for which one cannot be held responsible, similar to the concept of force majeure.
- The delays were due to circumstances entirely beyond our control.
A sudden flood was declared a force majeure, delaying the construction project.
- a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events
- he discovered that his house was not insured against acts of God