entorse

sprain

noun ahn-TORS Rare

Also means

infringement (figurative)

Usage Note

Entorse most commonly refers to a sprained joint, typically une entorse à la cheville ('an ankle sprain'). Figuratively, faire une entorse à la règle ('to bend the rule') is a very common idiom — the image is of slightly twisting, not breaking, the rule. The verb form is se faire une entorse (reflexive) when describing the injury.

Examples

"Elle s'est fait une entorse en jouant au tennis."

Natural Translation

She sprained her ankle playing tennis.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Adjective Placement: Before or After the Noun?

French adjectives usually follow the noun, but a small common set goes before it — and a few change meaning depending on which side they sit. Here's the rule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Telling Time in French: Hours, Quarters, 24-Hour

Telling time in French means Il est cinq heures, et quart, et demie, and the 24-hour clock like quatorze heures trente. Read any French schedule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read