French word

défouler

Pronunciation

IPA/defule/

Meaning

  • verbblow off steam

Example

Après le travail, je vais me défouler en faisant du sport.

After work, I am going to blow off steam by exercising.

Illustration for défouler (blow off steam)

More examples

Elle a crié pour se défouler.

She screamed to blow off steam.

Core concept

A pressure buildup released as stored energy is pushed outward and the body feels lighter.

Common phrases

  • défouler sa colère

    let off one's anger

  • se défouler contre

    take one's anger out on ___

Similar words

se détendre: To feel less tense or tired and become more at ease.
se relaxer: To loosen physical and mental tension and settle into a calm, unhurried state.
décompresser: To ease stress or tension and restore a sense of calm.
se lâcher: To freely express emotions or behave in ways normally kept under control.

Definition in French

Chercher à évacuer temporairement tension, colère ou fatigue en dépensant de l'énergie par un geste ou une activité.

Word origin

The verb is formed from dé- and fouler, 'to tread or press', and the reflexive form developed the figurative sense of releasing inner pressure.

Usage tips

  • Se défouler is informal and conversational, while évacuer sa tension suits more neutral or formal contexts.

Other meanings

  • vent ___verb
  • work off ___verb

Opposites

Related words

  • défoulementrelease of pent-up emotionnoun
  • défouléunburdenedadjective

Word lists with this word