Coup De Grace Definition
ko͝o də gräs
coups de grâce
noun
A deathblow delivered to end the misery of a mortally wounded victim.
American Heritage
The blow, shot, etc. that brings death to a sufferer; death blow.
Webster's New World
Any effort or maneuver that clinches victory or success, as by finishing an opponent.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Coup De Grace
Noun
Singular:
coup de grace
Plural:
coups-de-grce, coups de graceOrigin of Coup De Grace
-
Late 17th century. Borrowing from French coup de grâce (“finishing blow”). Originally referring to a merciful stroke putting a fatally wounded person out of misery or to the shot delivered to the head of a prisoner after facing a firing squad.
From Wiktionary
French coup stroke de of grâce mercy
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Related Articles
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to coup de grace using the buttons below.