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

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/atɾaˈkaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To dock (as in maritime)
• To mug
• To rob
• To hold up

Meaning and Usage

The verb "atracar" has several meanings depending on the context. It can refer to docking a ship or boat at a port or harbor. In a more colloquial and common context, it refers to criminal activities such as mugging or robbery.

• Usage Frequency: The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts.
• Context: In nautical contexts, it is more likely to be used in written form (laws, manuals). In criminal contexts, it is generally used in spoken language.

Example Sentences

1. Maria tuvo que atracar su barco en el puerto por la tormenta.
   Maria had to dock her boat at the port because of the storm.

2. El delincuente intentó atracar a la mujer en la calle.
   The criminal attempted to mug the woman on the street.

3. Dijeron que el banco fue atracado anoche.
   They said the bank was robbed last night.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "atracar" is not frequently part of popular idiomatic expressions, but it can feature in some informal phrases related to criminal activities, particularly in certain cultures or regions.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Atracar a mano armada
   To hold up at gunpoint.
   Los ladrones decidieron atracar a mano armada el banco del barrio.
   The thieves decided to hold up the neighborhood bank at gunpoint.

2. Atracar en seco
   To dock abruptly.
   El capitán tuvo que atracar en seco debido a la niebla densa.
   The captain had to dock abruptly due to the thick fog.

3. Atracar por sorpresa
   To strike by surprise.
   Los asaltantes aprendieron a atracar por sorpresa a las víctimas.
   The robbers learned to strike by surprise against their victims.

Etymology

The term "atracar" is derived from the Latin word "tractare," which means 'to pull, drag, or handle.' The evolution of the word has led it to encapsulate actions related to docking and seizing in both nautical and criminal contexts.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Encalle (to run aground) - nautical context - Robar (to steal) - criminal context - Asaltar (to assault) - criminal context

Antonyms: - Desatracar (to undock) - Liberar (to free or liberate)

This covers the multifaceted nature of the word "atracar" in Spanish, exploring its various meanings and applications across different contexts.