sangfroid
UK: /ˌsɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/ | US: /ˌsɑːŋˈfrwɑː/
n. calmness or composure, especially in difficult situations
The word "sangfroid" is a direct borrowing from French, where it literally means "cold blood." It reflects the metaphorical idea of maintaining a cool, unflappable demeanor—as if one's blood remains cold even under pressure. This concept aligns with the English idiom "to keep a cool head." The term entered English in the early 18th century, retaining its original spelling and figurative meaning.
Despite the chaos, she handled the crisis with remarkable sangfroid.
His sangfroid during the negotiation impressed everyone in the room.
The surgeon's sangfroid saved lives in the emergency situation.
Losing the match didn’t shake his sangfroid; he congratulated the winner graciously.
Her sangfroid under fire earned her the respect of her colleagues.