sang-froid

[ French sahn-frwa ]

noun

1. coolness of mind; calmness; composure:

   They committed the robbery with complete sang-froid.

   Synonyms: steadiness, courage, nerve, self-control, equanimity, poise, self-possession

sang-froid

/ sɑ̃frwa /

noun

1. composure; self-possession; calmness

Word History and Origins

Origin of sang-froid¹

1740–50; < French: literally, cold blood

Word History and Origins

Origin of sang-froid¹

C18: from French, literally: cold blood

Example Sentences

While some scenes of verbal and physical violence are troubling enough to make you fear for Houel’s mental health, she rises to the occasion with astonishing sang-froid, quietly haunted then seething in the second act.

From New York Times

He sang with warmth and beauty and acted with the brittle sang-froid of someone trying to maintain sanity in a madhouse.

From New York Times

But the swiftness of the government’s actions belied Mr. Xi’s sang-froid.

From New York Times

The song’s concision is almost as devastating as its sang-froid.

From Washington Post

Dressed monochromatically, four steely actors bring sang-froid to the courtroom proceedings.

From New York Times