vis major

[ vis mey-jer ]

noun

, Law.

, plural vi·res ma·jo·res [vahy, -reez m, uh, -, jawr, -eez, -jor-],

1. force majeure.

vis major

/ ˈvɪs ˈmeɪdʒə /

noun

1. See force majeure

Word History and Origins

Origin of vis major¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vis major¹

from Latin, literally: greater force

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

When I say that you ought to choose, I except vis major and fear, which destroy all power of choice.

From Project Gutenberg

It suggested some vis major—perhaps a locomotive, which no one cares to encounter.

From Project Gutenberg