Maginot Line

noun

Ma·​gi·​not Line ˈma-zhə-ˌnō- 

ˈma-jə-

1

: a line of defensive fortifications built before World War II to protect the eastern border of France but easily outflanked by German invaders

2

: a defensive barrier or strategy that inspires a false sense of security

Word History

Etymology

after André Maginot †1932 French minister of war

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Geographical Definition

Maginot Line

geographical name

Ma·​gi·​not Line ˈma-zhə-ˌnō 

ˈma-jə-

system of defensive fortifications that was built by France in the 1930s to protect its eastern border and stretched for nearly 200 miles (322 kilometers)