French word

tutelle

Pronunciation

IPA/tytɛl/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsupervision

Example

La société est sous la tutelle de l'État.

The company is under the supervision of the state.

Illustration for tutelle (supervision)

More examples

Après son accident, il est désormais sous tutelle.

After his accident, he is now under guardianship.

Core concept

A protective legal shield held over a person or institution, with authority to act on its behalf.

Common phrases

  • être sous tutelle

    be under guardianship

  • placer quelqu'un sous tutelle

    place someone under guardianship

Similar words

garde: The care and protection of a child in everyday life.
tuteur: A legally appointed guardian who supports a minor or person with limited capacity.

Definition in French

Situation juridique où une personne, dite tuteur, est chargée de protéger et d'administrer les biens et la personne d'une personne incapable de le faire elle-même.

Word origin

French tutelle comes from Latin tutela, meaning protection or guardianship, through Old French and retains this legal sense.

Usage tips

  • Tutelle is a formal legal term rather than ordinary family care, and the common structure is sous la tutelle de, meaning under the guardianship or oversight of.

Other meanings

  • guardianshipnoun
  • protectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • tuteurguardiannoun
  • tutricefemale guardiannoun

Word lists with this word