French Conversation · Level 113
59 words
French word
empêcheur
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃pɛʃœʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nouninterferer
Example
Les empêcheurs ont tout gâché.
The interferers ruined everything.
More examples
Il fait souvent l'empêcheur de service pendant la réunion.
He often plays the designated troublemaker during the meeting.
Core concept
A disruptive presence that blocks a plan instead of letting it move forward.
Common phrases
faire l'empêcheur de service
play the designated troublemaker
empêcheur de tourner en rond
an obstructionist
Similar words
opposant: A person who opposes a proposal or idea and tries to prevent its approval.
adversaire: A rival or opponent who stands in the way of another person's goals.
Definition in French
Personne ou chose qui empêche ou entrave le déroulement d'une action.
Word origin
The noun empêcheur derives from the verb empêcher by adding the agentive suffix -eur; empêcher developed through Old French from Latin impedicare, 'to hamper'.
Usage tips
- The expression empêcheur de tourner en rond describes someone who persistently obstructs others, often with a critical tone.