Maginot Line

Ma·gi·not Line

noun \ˈma-zhə-ˌnō-, ˈma-jə-\

Definition of MAGINOT LINE

1

: a line of defensive fortifications built before World War II to protect the eastern border of France but easily outflanked by German invaders

2

: a defensive barrier or strategy that inspires a false sense of security

Origin of MAGINOT LINE

André Maginot †1932 French minister of war

First Known Use: 1936

Rhymes with MAGINOT LINE

accipitrine, adamantine, adulterine, alexandrine, amaranthine, assembly line, attention line, Australian pine, Austrian pine, count palatine, die on the vine, elephantine, fall into line, fortified wine, graphic design, heterodyne, labyrinthine, lateral line, loblolly pine, Monterey pine, poverty line, production line, receiving line, Schleswig-Holstein, sweetheart neckline, top-of-the-line

Maginot Line

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Elaborate defensive barrier in northeastern France built in the 1930s. Named after its principal creator, Andre Maginot, it was an ultramodern defensive fortification along the French-German frontier. Made of thick concrete and supplied with heavy guns, it had living quarters, supply storehouses, and underground rail lines. However, it ended at the French-Belgian frontier, which German forces crossed in May 1940. They invaded Belgium (May 10), crossed the Somme River, struck at the northern end of the line (May 12), and continued around to its rear, making it useless.