coup de foudre

Definition

A sudden unexpected event, especially an emotional one; love at first sight.

Etymology

Borrowed from French coup de foudre (“lightning strike”).

Example Sentences

• "The encounter with Laura that Good Friday was a coup de foudre, and for the rest of his life he was to adore her, mostly from afar."
• "They immediately fell madly in love. A lightning bolt. Coup de foudre."