French Conversation · Level 114
59 words
French word
enfoncer
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃fɔ̃se/
Meaning
- verbpush in
Example
Il a enfoncé la clé dans la serrure.
He pushed the key into the lock.
More examples
Elle enfonce un clou dans la planche.
She drives a nail into the board.
Core concept
A forceful push drives an object into a hole, another object, or a surface, leaving it inside or making a dent.
Common phrases
enfoncer la clé
push in the key
enfoncer un clou
drive in a nail
enfoncer la porte
force open the door
Similar words
pousser: Apply force to move an object or person forward.
appuyer: Apply pressure to a point or surface with a hand or finger.
serrer: Squeeze an object firmly with the hand.
frapper: Hit something with the hand or a tool.
Definition in French
Pousser quelque chose avec force pour l'introduire dans un autre objet, dans une ouverture ou dans la surface d'un corps.
Word origin
Enfoncer formed in Old French from en- added to foncer, giving the verb an inward or downward sense.
Usage tips
- Unlike pousser, enfoncer often implies that the object enters deeply or dents the receiving surface.