démarche

[ dey-marsh ]

noun

, French.

, plural dé·marches [dey-, marsh].

1. an action or gesture by a diplomat, especially a formal appeal, protest, or the like.
2. a statement, protest, or the like presented to public officials by private citizens, interest groups, etc.
3. a procedure or step; move; maneuver.

démarche

/ demarʃ /

noun

1. a move, step, or manoeuvre, esp in diplomatic affairs
2. a representation or statement of views, complaints, etc, to a public authority

Word History and Origins

Origin of démarche¹

Literally, “gait”

Word History and Origins

Origin of démarche¹

C17: literally: walk, gait, from Old French demarcher to tread, trample; see de- , march ¹

Example Sentences

She added that the embassy on Monday "sent a demarche to the State Department demanding that he be provided with qualified medical care".

From Reuters

In fact, he berated an aide who suggested issuing a démarche to the Buenos Aires government.

From Slate

When the Pentagon detected a Chinese spy balloon drifting over the United States this year, Ms. Sherman called in a Chinese diplomat to deliver a démarche.

From New York Times

Monyela said South Africa would issue a “demarche” against Brigety for his allegations, a diplomatic term that refers to a formal complaint.

From Seattle Times

Wang said "it was full of arrogance, prejudice against China and we have made a strong demarche to the host Japan."

From Reuters

Related Words

• action
• gimmick
• manipulation
• measure
• movement
• plot
• ploy
• procedure
• ruse
• scheme
• step
• stunt
• trick