foudroyant

[ foo-droi-uhnt; French foo-drwa-yahn ]

adjective

1. striking as with lightning; sudden and overwhelming in effect; stunning; dazzling.
2. Pathology. (of disease) beginning in a sudden and severe form.

foudroyant

/ fuːˈdrɔɪənt /

adjective

1. (of a disease) occurring suddenly and with great severity
2. rare.
   stunning, dazzling, or overwhelming

Word History and Origins

Origin of foudroyant¹

1830–40; < French, present participle of foudroyer to strike with lightning, derivative of foudre lightning < Latin fulgur

Word History and Origins

Origin of foudroyant¹

C19: from French, from foudroyer to strike with lightning, from Old French foudre lightning, from Latin fulgur

Example Sentences

Janowski prepared and shaped the many climaxes but would not tarry even for the most foudroyant of them.

From Washington Post

The principal work, named Fort George, is mounted with pieces of cannon, said to have been taken in the “Foudroyant” man-of-war, in one of the many conflicts between the French and English.

From Project Gutenberg

Foudroyant, fōō-droi′ant, adj. quick like lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

“Monarch,” of which his uncle Lord Duncan was at that time in command, and in the following year was transferred to the “Foudroyant,” on board of which, during the night engagement with the “Pegase,” he greatly distinguished himself.

From Project Gutenberg

C'est un ma�tre pianiste foudroyant.

From Project Gutenberg