célêbre



cause célèbre

1. A controversy that causes public debate. The town's polluted drinking water became a national cause célêbre when it was discovered that the local leaders had allowed it to happen.
2. A legal case that is famous or celebrated. The trial became a cause célêbre for those who felt the defendant was victimized by the legal system.
See also: cause, célèbre

a cause célêbre

a famous event or legal case which people discuss a lot because it is so interesting or shocking The relationship between Edward Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson became an international cause célêbre in the 1930s.
See also: cause, célêbre

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Bituin-Tagalog
MÁRta-Hungarian
Sung-Jinsung-jeenKorean
Fierafee-E-rahEsperanto
EastonEES-tənEnglish (Modern)
Bianka-German, Hungarian, Polish