épouvantail
/e.pu.vɑ̃.taj/masculine
The English word 'scarecrow' is translated into French as épouvantail.
An épouvantail is a noun used to describe an effigy fixed to a pole in a field, designed to deter birds from eating planted crops or seeds.
Meaning: effigy fixed to a pole in a field to deter birds from eating crops or seeds planted there (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb épouvanter, meaning to frighten or terrify and the suffix -ail, which denotes a tool or object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. To form the plural, add an -s to the end to make épouvantails.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.pu.vɑ̃.taj/
Did you know?
- In French political discourse, the term épouvantail is used as a synonym for a 'straw man' argument, referring to a fabricated threat used to manipulate public opinion.
- Beyond the fields, épouvantail can be used as a standalone exclamation to describe someone who looks ragged, disheveled or frighteningly thin.
- The root verb épouvanter is conceptually linked to the history of 'panic' and was historically used to describe the chilling presence of ghosts.
Examples in context
- T'inquiète pas, ce n'est qu'un épouvantail.Relax, it's just a scarecrow.This sentence is useful for showing how to use épouvantail to reassure someone that something is not a threat.Tatoeba #522154 by qdii, translation #522152 by FeuDRenais
- L'épouvantail dans la cour est tombé durant l'ouragan.The scarecrow in the backyard fell over during the hurricane.This sentence is useful for describing an épouvantail that has been knocked down by weather.Tatoeba #2084074 by sacredceltic, translation #1540403 by madhatter5
- Épouvantail !Scarecrow!This sentence is useful for seeing épouvantail used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #10507768 by pkill, translation #13965976 by Leglaine
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are walking through a farm.
- ManonRegarde cet épouvantail, il est très drôle.Look at that scarecrow, it is very funny.
- HugoIl sert à protéger les légumes du jardin.It is used to protect the garden vegetables.
- ManonEst-ce qu'un épouvantail fonctionne vraiment ?Does a scarecrow actually work?
- HugoOui, ça fait peur aux oiseaux.Yes, it scares the birds.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scarecrow” translations and entries épouvantail, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
