défoncé
/de.fɔ̃.se/
The English phrase "stoned" can be translated into French using défoncé. Wiktionary also lists stone and gelé.
Meaning: high on drugs (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| défoncé | /de.fɔ̃.se/ | |
| stone | /ston/ | |
| gelé | /ʒə.le/ /ʒle/ |
Quebec |
These terms are used to describe someone who is high on drugs.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To express being under the influence of drugs in a formal setting, use the phrase être sous l'effet de drogue(s). Slang alternatives include être déchiré(e) or être perché(e). The word défoncé is also considered slang.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the colloquial term gelé is used to describe being high or stoned.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective défoncé must agree in gender with the subject. For example, use défoncée if the subject is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.fɔ̃.se/
When do people say it?
For a humorous way to imply someone is extremely intoxicated, you can use the expression être défoncé(e) comme un peigne, which literally means being "stoned like a comb".
Did you know?
- While défoncé describes being high, its literal meaning is 'broken' or 'smashed in', as if a door has been kicked in.
- The expression être déchiré means to be stoned or wasted, but it literally translates to 'being torn to shreds'.
- In Quebec, the term gelé is used to mean 'stoned', but it is the exact same word used to say someone is 'frozen'.
Examples in context
- Tom est stone.Tom's stoned.This sentence shows how to use the loanword stone with a subject.Tatoeba #7142171 by Micsmithel, translation #2107607 by CK
- Je suis stone.I'm stoned.This sentence demonstrates the first-person use of the loanword stone.Tatoeba #13915012 by Myrano_, translation #11937878 by Fenrir
- Elle était stone.She was stoned.This sentence shows the use of the loanword stone in the past tense.Tatoeba #13915018 by Myrano_, translation #1754716 by Spamster
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a park.
- ManonRegarde Nathan, il a l'air complètement défoncé.Look at Nathan, he looks completely stoned.
- NathanC'est vrai, il ne m'entend même pas.It's true, he can't even hear me.
- ManonTu penses qu'il est trop défoncé pour marcher ?Do you think he's too stoned to walk?
- NathanNon, il va s'en sortir.No, he'll manage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stoned” translations and entries défoncé, stone, gelé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
