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

Part of Speech

Verbo (Verb)

Phonetic Transcription

/ateɾoɾiˈθaɾ/ (in Spain)
/ateɾoɾiˈsaɾ/ (in Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• To terrify
• To scare
• To frighten

Meaning and Usage

The verb "aterrorizar" refers to causing someone to experience intense fear or terror. It is used in contexts where someone feels overwhelmingly afraid. This term is frequently used in both oral and written forms, appearing in everyday conversation as well as literature, news reports, and horror genres. The frequency of use is moderate, responding to situations of fear-inducing experiences.

Example Sentences

1. "La película de terror logró aterrorizar a todos los asistentes."
   "The horror movie managed to terrify all the attendees."

2. "El ruido repentino en la noche atemorizó a los niños."
   "The sudden noise at night frightened the children."

3. "Las historias de fantasmas a menudo aterrorizaron a la gente en el pueblo."
   "The ghost stories often terrified the people in the town."

Idiomatic Expressions

While "aterrorizar" itself is not commonly found in fixed idiomatic expressions, it may appear in phrases that capture the essence of fear and terror. Below are some examples where "aterrorizar" might be included in expressions or contexts reflecting terror.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Usage

1. "La noticia del terremoto aterroriza a la comunidad."
   "The news of the earthquake terrifies the community."

2. "Cada vez que veo una película de miedo, me aterroriza la idea de dormir solo."
   "Every time I watch a horror movie, the thought of sleeping alone terrifies me."

3. "El asalto en su barrio lo ha aterroriza a tal punto que no sale de casa."
   "The robbery in his neighborhood has terrified him to the point that he doesn’t leave the house."

4. "Los fantasmas siempre han aterroriza a los niños."
   "Ghosts have always terrified children."

Etymology

The word "aterrorizar" comes from the prefix "a-" which denotes "to" or "toward" and the noun "terror," which is derived from Latin "terror," meaning fright or dread. Thus, "aterrorizar" essentially means to bring someone toward a state of terror.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Asustar (to scare)
• Espantar (to frighten)
• Intimidar (to intimidate)
• Atormentar (to torment)

Antonyms

• Calmar (to calm)
• Consolar (to comfort)
• Securizar (to secure)

In summary, "aterrorizar" is a vivid verb in the Spanish language, invoking strong emotions related to fear and can be applied across a number of contexts, both colloquially and formally.