French word

soubresaut

Pronunciation

IPA/subʁəso/

Meaning

  • masculine nounjolt

Example

On a senti un soubresaut dans le train au départ.

We felt a jolt on the train as it pulled away.

Illustration for soubresaut (jolt)

More examples

Le moteur a donné un soubresaut avant de s'arrêter.

The engine gave a jolt before stopping.

Core concept

A brief, localized jolt makes something bounce once before settling.

Common phrases

  • un soubresaut

    a jolt

  • ressentir un soubresaut

    feel a jolt

  • un soubresaut du train

    a jolt from the train

Similar words

secousse: A brief shaking or vibration.
choc: A movement caused by a single forceful impact or blow.
sursaut: A sudden upward movement caused by surprise.
à-coup: A brief jerk caused by an interruption in smooth movement.

Definition in French

Petite secousse brève et localisée, perçue comme un rebond ou un choc ponctuel.

Word origin

The French noun soubresaut comes through Middle French soubresaut or soubresalt from Latin subsaltus, related to saltus, meaning 'leap'.

Usage tips

  • Soubresaut is masculine, so the usual form is un soubresaut, not une soubresaut.

Other meanings

  • jumpnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word