Force Majeure

[French, A superior or irresistible power.] An event that is a result of the elements of nature, as opposed to one caused by human behavior.

The term force majeure relates to the law of insurance and is frequently used in construction contracts to protect the parties in the event that a segment of the contract cannot be performed due to causes that are outside the control of the parties, such as natural disasters, that could not be evaded through the exercise of due care.

A force majeure, like an act of God, is an event that is the result of the elements of nature. This image shows some of the damage caused by Hurricane Georges, which struck the Florida Keys in September 1998.
AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS