abordage
boarding (of a ship)
noun ah-bor-DAZH Rare
Origin: from aborder, 'to approach/board'
Also means
collision between vessels
Usage Note
Abordage is the classic nautical act of seizing an enemy vessel by coming alongside and sending crew over; prendre à l'abordage means 'to board by force.' The word also describes an accidental collision at sea. In modern slang it can describe an aggressive approach or 'cold contact.'
Examples
"Les pirates montèrent à l'abordage du navire."
Natural Translation
The pirates boarded the ship.
Literal Translation
The pirates mounted to the boarding of-the ship.
Free starter pack
Building your French vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
