force majeure clause

noun

plural force majeure clauses

: a clause in an agreement that excuses performance if an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled (such as war or extreme weather) occurs

The force majeure clause reads, "Neither party shall be liable for its failure to perform hereunder if said performance is made impracticable due to any occurrence beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, fires, floods, wars, sabotage, accidents, labor disputes or shortages, governmental laws, ordinances, rules and regulations."

—John D. Calamari and Joseph M. Perillo

… some bottlers for … olive oil have already pointed to force majeure clauses in their contracts to allow them to reduce delivery quantities or raise prices.

—Sarah Butler

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for force majeure clause

• ahs
• baas
• cause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws
• hawse

Legal Definition

force majeure clause

noun

: a clause in an agreement that excuses performance in the event that a force majeure makes the performance impracticable or impossible