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abordage

boarding (of a ship)

noun ah-bor-DAZH Rare
Travel & Places Transportation

Origin: from aborder, 'to approach/board'

Also means

collision between vessels

Usage Note

Abordage is the classic nautical act of seizing an enemy vessel by coming alongside and sending crew over; prendre à l'abordage means 'to board by force.' The word also describes an accidental collision at sea. In modern slang it can describe an aggressive approach or 'cold contact.'

Examples

"Les pirates montèrent à l'abordage du navire."

Natural Translation

The pirates boarded the ship.

Literal Translation

The pirates mounted to the boarding of-the ship.

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