act of God
noun Law.
a direct, sudden, and irresistible action of natural forces such as could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented, as a flood, hurricane, earthquake, or other natural catastrophe.
Origin of act of God
First recorded in 1855–60
British Dictionary definitions for act of god
act of God
noun
law
a sudden and inevitable occurrence caused by natural forces and not by the agency of man, such as a flood, earthquake, or a similar catastrophe
Cultural definitions for act of god (1 of 2)
act of God
An event beyond human control — e.g., hurricane, earthquake, volcanic eruption (see volcano), etc. — for which there is no legal redress. The phrase is frequently used by insurance companies and lawyers.
Cultural definitions for act of god (2 of 2)
act of God
A natural catastrophe, e.g., a hurricane, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption. (See volcano.)
notes for act of God
As a legal term relating to property damage, it appears in insurance
contracts: “After the flood, Papovich was dismayed to discover that his house was not insured against acts of God.”
notes for act of God
Idioms and Phrases with act of god
act of God
An unforeseen and uncontrollable natural event, such as a hurricane, fire, or flood. For example, The publisher shall publish the work within twelve months except in case of delay caused by acts of God such as fires or floods or other circumstances beyond its control. It most often appears in legal contracts, where it is used to indemnify one party against a disaster that prevents it from carrying out the contract's terms. [Mid-1800s]