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.

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
root
+
feu
fire
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais