frôler

Senses

1. 1.

   to brush, to touch lightly

   To make light, barely perceptible contact with something

2. 2.

   to almost happen, to come close to

   To be on the verge of an event or outcome without it occurring

3. 3.

   to skirt, to pass close by

   To move or pass very near to a place or object without colliding

Examples

• "Sa main a frôlé la mienne en passant."

  His hand brushed against mine as he passed.

• "Elle a frôlé l'accident en descendant l'escalier trop vite."

  She nearly had an accident coming down the stairs too quickly.

• "Le bateau a frôlé les rochers de justesse."

  The boat narrowly passed by the rocks.

Usage

Common in both literal (physical contact) and figurative (near-miss) uses. Often appears with adverbs like *de justesse* (barely) or *presque* (almost) to emphasize the narrowness of contact or avoidance. Slightly literary or formal register.