The verb "abalanzar" in Spanish refers to the action of leaning, throwing oneself, or moving forward with force toward something or someone. It is used in contexts where an individual or object moves quickly or with urgency toward a target or direction. The term can also denote the act of putting all one's weight or force into a motion.
Frequency of Use: "Abalanzar" is moderately common in both oral and written Spanish. It appears frequently in narratives or descriptive contexts, especially when conveying a sense of haste or urgency.
The boy leaped toward his friends when he saw them arrive.
La ola se abalanzó sobre la costa, causando gran destrucción.
The wave crashed against the shore, causing great destruction.
Los perros se abalanzaron hacia el gato que estaba en el jardín.
"Abalanzar" is not as frequently used in fixed idiomatic expressions as some other verbs, but it does appear in descriptive phrases that convey urgency or sudden action.
Don’t throw yourself into the first impression; take your time.
A veces, es mejor no abalanzarse a hacer juicios sin conocer los hechos.
Sometimes, it's better not to rush to judgment without knowing the facts.
Al ver el peligro, el ciclista se abalanzó a un lado para evitar el accidente.
When he saw the danger, the cyclist leaped to the side to avoid the accident.
Se abalanzó a ayudar a su amigo en el momento más crítico.
The word "abalanzar" originates from the combination of the prefix “a-”, indicating direction or movement toward, and the root "balanzar," which is derived from "balance." The term essentially describes movement toward or in the direction of balance or stability, particularly in a dynamic context.