Dictionary
coup de grâce
noun \ˌkü-də-ˈgräs\
: an action or event that finally ends or destroys something that has been getting weaker or worse
: a hit or shot that kills a person or animal that is suffering
plural coups de grâce or coups de grace \ˌkü-də-\
Full Definition of COUP DE GRÂCE
1
: a deathblow or death shot administered to end the suffering of one mortally wounded
2
: a decisive finishing blow, act, or event
See coup de grâce defined for English-language learners
Variants of COUP DE GRÂCE
coup de grâce or coup de grace \ˌkü-də-ˈgräs\
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Origin of COUP DE GRÂCE
French coup de grâce, literally, stroke of mercy
First Known Use: 1699
Related to COUP DE GRÂCE
- Synonyms
- capper, clincher (or coup de grace), crusher, topper
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