Pronunciation: ' ma-zh ə - ˌ n ō -, ' ma-j ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: André Maginot † 1932 French minister of war
Date: 1936
1 : a line of defensive fortifications built before World War II to protect the eastern border of France but easily outflanked by German invaders
2 : a defensive barrier or strategy that inspires a false sense of security