traverser
/tʁa.vɛʁˈse/
Definition
To cross or go through something, such as a road, a city, or a difficult period.
Example
Elle traverse la rue sans regarder les voitures.
Show translation
She crosses the street without looking at the cars.
Etymology
From Old French *traverser*, derived from Late Latin *traversare* ("to cross"), from *trans-* ("across") + *versare* ("to turn, go"). Related to English "traverse" and "transverse," all sharing the idea of going across something.
Cultural note
In French, *traverser* is used both physically (crossing a street, a river, a country) and figuratively — *traverser une période difficile* ("to go through a tough time") is a very common expression. Learners should note that the French verb covers both senses where English might use "cross" or "go through." Beware the false cognate trap: "to travel" in French is *voyager* or *voyager*, not *traverser*.