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emprise

grip, hold, influence

noun ahm-PREEZ Rare

Usage Note

Emprise denotes a powerful psychological or emotional hold over someone: sous l'emprise de la peur ('in the grip of fear'), sous l'emprise de l'alcool ('under the influence of alcohol'). It always implies domination or control and is stronger than influence. In legal French, emprise can also mean the expropriation of land for public use.

Examples

"Elle était sous l'emprise d'une peur intense."

Natural Translation

She was in the grip of an intense fear.

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