maîtriser

Senses

1. 1.

   to master

   to acquire complete control or skill in a subject or technique

2. 2.

   to control

   to keep someone or something under control; to manage or restrain

3. 3.

   to overcome

   to successfully deal with or suppress (an emotion, fear, or situation)

Examples

• "Elle a maîtrisé l'anglais après trois ans d'étude."

  She mastered English after three years of study.

• "Le pompier a maîtrisé l'incendie rapidement."

  The firefighter brought the fire under control quickly.

• "Il faut maîtriser vos émotions avant de prendre une décision importante."

  You need to control your emotions before making an important decision.

Usage

A common, mid-to-advanced level verb. Formal and neutral in register. Often used with direct objects (skills, situations, emotions). Related noun: maîtrise. Note the circumflex accent on the â in the infinitive and all conjugations.