Noun
/pˈʌblɪk ˈnjuːsəns/
A public nuisance refers to an act, condition, or object that interferes with the rights of the public or a community. It can disrupt the comfortable and safe enjoyment of public spaces. This term is commonly used in legal contexts but is also applicable in everyday discourse when discussing issues that affect community well-being.
Public nuisances can take various forms, such as excessive noise, pollution, or obstructions that hinder free passage. In terms of frequency, "public nuisance" is relatively more prevalent in written contexts, particularly in discussions of law, policy, or community issues, rather than in spoken informal conversations.
The constant honking of car horns at the intersection has become a public nuisance for the residents nearby.
Translation: Constant honking de klaxon au carrefour est devenu un trouble public pour les résidents à proximité.
The abandoned building was deemed a public nuisance because it attracted vandalism and illegal activity.
Translation: Le bâtiment abandonné a été considéré comme un trouble public parce qu'il attirait le vandalisme et l'activité illégale.
The loud music from the bar was reported as a public nuisance by the neighbors who couldn’t sleep at night.
Translation: La musique forte du bar a été signalée comme un trouble public par les voisins qui ne pouvaient pas dormir la nuit.
Although "public nuisance" itself does not feature prominently in idiomatic expressions, the words "public" and "nuisance" can appear in various contexts related to disruptions in community life. Below are some phrases and expressions associated with the concept of public nuisance:
Dress like a public nuisance
She dressed like a public nuisance, drawing attention everywhere she went.
Translation: Elle s'est habillée comme un trouble public, attirant l'attention partout où elle allait.
Make a public nuisance of oneself
He tends to make a public nuisance of himself at parties with his loud antics.
Translation: Il a tendance à se rendre trouble public lors des fêtes avec ses pitreries bruyantes.
Turn a blind eye to public nuisances
Authorities often turn a blind eye to public nuisances until they become too serious to ignore.
Translation: Les autorités détournent souvent le regard des troubles publics jusqu'à ce qu'ils deviennent trop graves pour être ignorés.
The term "public nuisance" is derived from two words: "public," from the Latin "publicus," meaning "of the people," and "nuisance," stemming from the Old French "nuire" (to harm) and Latin "noxius" (harmful). Together, they highlight the idea of something that causes harm or inconvenience to the general public.