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

The helm was eased a little, and the ship sheered nearer to le Foudroyant.

From Project Gutenberg

The Foudroyant's superior manœuvring enabled her to commence the engagement by a raking fire.

From Project Gutenberg

The expedition was destroyed, and the Foudroyant had the whole honour of the victory.

From Project Gutenberg

The Foudroyant, on that melancholy occasion, had been astern of the Victory, the admiral's ship.

From Project Gutenberg

The Foudroyant, which was taken into the service, was looked upon for many years as the finest ship in the British Navy.

From Project Gutenberg