atentar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/ate̝n̪ˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

1. To attempt
2. To attack
3. To infringe

Meaning and Usage

The verb "atentar" has several meanings based on context. It primarily means "to attempt" or "to attack," particularly in a legal or criminal context. It is frequently used in phrases that describe acts of aggression or infringement against individuals or legal rights. The term is often used more in written legal documents, reports, and news articles, although it can appear in oral speech, particularly in discussions about crime or legal matters.

• Frequency of Use: Common in both written and spoken contexts, with a stronger prevalence in formal or legal discussions.

Example Sentences

1. El grupo terrorista planeó atentar contra el gobierno.

2. The terrorist group planned to attack the government.

3. Se considera un delito atentar contra la vida de otra persona.

4. It is deemed a crime to attempt against another person's life.

5. No se debe atentar contra los derechos humanos de nadie.

6. One must not infringe upon anyone's human rights.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Atentar" is often part of various idiomatic expressions which convey actions related to aggression, risks, or legal infringement.

1. Atentar contra la ley
2. Hacer algo que va en contra de las normativas legales.

3. To do something that goes against the legal regulations.

4. Atentar contra la libertad

5. Limitar o violar la libertad de una persona o un grupo.

6. To limit or violate a person's or group's freedom.

7. Atentar contra la integridad

8. Amenazar la seguridad o el bienestar de una persona.

9. To threaten a person's safety or well-being.

10. Atentar contra el honor

11. Hacer algo que ofende o menoscaba la reputación de alguien.

12. To do something that offends or undermines someone's reputation.

13. Atentar a la vida

14. Intentar quitarle la vida a alguien.
15. To attempt to take someone's life.

Etymology

The term "atentar" comes from the Latin "atentare," which means "to aim at" or "to attack." It is derived from the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" and the root "tendere" meaning "to stretch" or "to aim." Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass attempts at various actions, especially those that imply aggression or legal infraction.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Provocar (to provoke)
• Intentar (to try or to intend)

• Agredir (to assault)

• Antonyms:

• Respetar (to respect)
• Proteger (to protect)
• Defensar (to defend)