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défoncer

smash through, break open

verb deh-fohn-SEH Less Common
Body & Health Movement

Also means

get high (slang)

Usage Note

Défoncer literally means to break through a surface — défoncer une porte is 'to break down a door.' In very informal French it also means to get intoxicated; défoncé as an adjective means 'wrecked' or 'high.' The reflexive se défoncer means 'to work incredibly hard' in everyday speech.

Examples

"Il a défoncé la porte d'un coup d'épaule."

Natural Translation

He broke through the door with a shoulder charge.

Literal Translation

He broke-through the door with-a blow of-shoulder.

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