The word "denuncia" refers to a formal complaint or report made to the authorities, often concerning unlawful activities or violations. It is frequently used in legal contexts to indicate an accusation or alert to misconduct.
The frequency of use of "denuncia" is moderate to high, especially in legal, media, and administrative contexts. It is more commonly employed in written contexts, such as official documents or news reports, but is also used in oral speech, particularly when discussing matters related to law or social issues.
Example Sentences
La denuncia fue presentada ante la policía por el robo en la casa.
The complaint was filed with the police regarding the theft at the house.
Ella decidió hacer una denuncia formal contra la empresa por acoso laboral.
She decided to file a formal report against the company for workplace harassment.
El juez desestimó la denuncia por falta de pruebas.
The judge dismissed the report due to lack of evidence.
Idiomatic Expressions
While "denuncia" is primarily used in formal contexts, it can appear in some idiomatic phrases related to reporting or exposing wrongdoing:
Example Idiomatic Expressions
Hacer una denuncia pública.
Translation: To make a public complaint.
Example: Él decidió hacer una denuncia pública sobre la corrupción en su ciudad.
He decided to make a public complaint about the corruption in his city.
Presentar una denuncia anónima.
Translation: To submit an anonymous report.
Example: La organización permite presentar una denuncia anónima sobre maltrato animal.
The organization allows for an anonymous report about animal mistreatment.
Denuncia de fraude.
Translation: Report of fraud.
Example: La denuncia de fraude fue investigada por las autoridades rápidamente.
The report of fraud was quickly investigated by the authorities.
Denunciar algo a la prensa.
Translation: To report something to the press.
Example: La activista decidió denunciar los abusos a la prensa.
The activist decided to report the abuses to the press.
Etymology
The term "denuncia" comes from the Latin word "denuntiatio," which means "announcement" or "declaration." The root "denuntiare" means "to announce" or "to declare," emphasizing the act of bringing something to the attention of authorities or the public.