Also means
one who undermines or destroys
Usage Note
Fossoyeur literally means a person who digs graves (fosse = pit/grave). Figuratively it is used for anyone who brings about the destruction of something, as in le fossoyeur de la démocratie (the gravedigger of democracy) — a common rhetorical device in political commentary. The feminine form fossoyeuse exists but is rare.
Examples
"Le fossoyeur creusait une tombe."
Natural Translation
The gravedigger was digging a grave.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
