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foudroyer

to strike down with lightning

verb foo-drwah-YEH Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Also means

to devastate, overwhelm

Usage Note

Foudroyer literally means to kill with a lightning bolt; figuratively it describes being suddenly overwhelmed — foudroyer du regard (to shoot someone a withering look) is a very common expression. The related noun is foudre (lightning bolt, f). The -oyer ending conjugates like employer (y→i before mute e).

Examples

"Il l'a foudroyée du regard."

Natural Translation

He shot her a withering look.

Literal Translation

He struck her with his gaze.

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