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élancer

to dart, to rush forward

verb eh-lahn-SEH Rare
Body & Health Movement

Also means

to throb, to shoot (pain)

Usage Note

élancer has two distinct uses: the reflexive s'élancer means to dash or spring forward with energy, while the non-reflexive élancer often describes a sharp throbbing pain (ma jambe m'élance = my leg is throbbing). The related noun un élan means momentum or a surge of enthusiasm.

Examples

"Il s'élança vers la sortie dès que la cloche sonna."

Natural Translation

He dashed toward the exit as soon as the bell rang.

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