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couvre-feu
/kuvʁə.fø/
curfew
Le couvre-feu a été instauré pour réduire les rassemblements nocturnes.
A curfew was imposed to reduce nighttime gatherings.
Law
formal
A legally mandated restriction requiring people to stay indoors during specified hours, typically at night, often imposed during emergencies or to maintain public order.
Le gouvernement a annoncé un couvre-feu à partir de 22h pour lutter contre la propagation du virus.
The government announced a curfew starting at 10 PM to combat the spread of the virus.
The term is commonly used in French-speaking countries and is equivalent to 'curfew' in English.
Collocations
instaurer un couvre-feuto impose a curfewlever le couvre-feuto lift the curfew
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context
In French legal contexts, 'couvre-feu' is often used to describe official restrictions on movement during specific hours.
Gold Rule
Formal Usage
Use 'couvre-feu' in formal or official contexts, such as government announcements or legal documents.
Word Origin
From French 'couvert' (covered) and 'feu' (fire), originally referring to the extinguishing of fires at night to prevent arson, later generalized to a ban on public movement.
Usage Notes
The term is used in formal contexts, particularly in legal and governmental communications. It is not typically used in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
couvre
covered
rootfeu
fire
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais