Also known as force majeure. A provision in an agreement that excuses a party's performance under the agreement to the extent its failure to perform is due to certain extreme circumstances outside that party's control, for example, due to the occurrence of a natural disaster or an act of terrorism or war.

Force majeure clauses are found in a wide range of agreements. For a sample force majeure clause and related drafting note, see Standard Clauses, Boilerplate Clauses and Standard Clause, General Contract Clauses: Force Majeure.