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 grace

Origin 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

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