Percuter

Percuter is a French verb meaning to strike, hit, or collide with something. It is used especially to describe abrupt, often violent contact, such as a vehicle hitting a wall or another vehicle. A transitive use is common: la voiture a percuté un arbre. The verb can also be used reflexively to describe a collision between two bodies: deux voitures se sont percutées à l’intersection.

Etymology and nuance: percuter comes from Latin percutere, meaning “to strike through,” formed from per- “through” and cutere (to strike or shake). The term carries a strong, forceful sense and is frequent in reporting on accidents or police notes. The related adjective percutant (feminine percutante) describes something striking, impactful, or forceful, as in un message percutant.

Conjugation: percuter is a regular -er verb. Present tense forms include je percute, tu percutes, il percute, nous percutons, vous percut ez, ils percutent. The passé composé uses avoir: j’ai percuté, tu as percuté, il a percuté, nous avons percuté, vous avez percuté, ils ont percuté. The participle is percuté. The pronominal form se percuter exists, with passé composé using être: ils se sont percutés.

Usage notes: percuter is most appropriately used for clear, often violent contact. It is common in news reports, police statements, and accident descriptions. It should not be used for minor taps or incidental contact, where verbs like toucher or heurter might be more suitable.

See also: heurter, cogner, entrer en collision; percutant/percutante as adjectives conveying a strong, impactful impression.