I. noun
also dun·kerque ˈdənˌkərk also ˌ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ sometimes -əŋ-
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: from Dunkirk or Dunkerque, seaport in northern France, scene of the evacuation of allied troops in World War II after the fall of France, May 29-June 2, 1940
1. : a desperate evacuation under bombardment of remnants of a defeated army
2. : a serious crisis demanding decisive action
the immediate effect would plainly be a Dunkirk for United States foreign policy — Time
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to force to execute a Dunkirk