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

Part of Speech

Derribar is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/d̪e.riˈβaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To overthrow
• To knock down
• To bring down

Meaning and Usage

Derribar means to knock something down or to overthrow a current situation or authority. It can be applied in various contexts, including physical destruction (like walls or structures) and metaphorical contexts (like governments or ideas). The word is commonly used both in oral speech and written texts, particularly in discussions around politics or military strategies.

Frequency of Use

The term is moderately frequent in both spoken and written contexts, especially when discussing topics related to politics, law enforcement, or military actions.

Example Sentences

1. El ejército planea derribar las murallas de la ciudad.

2. The army plans to knock down the walls of the city.

3. Los manifestantes intentaron derribar al gobierno.

4. The protesters tried to overthrow the government.

5. La tormenta logró derribar varios árboles en el parque.

6. The storm managed to bring down several trees in the park.

Idiomatic Expressions

Derribar features in certain idiomatic expressions, particularly related to overcoming obstacles or opposition.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Derribar barreras
2. Translation: To break down barriers.
3. Sentence: Es importante derribar barreras entre las distintas culturas.

4. Translation: It is important to break down barriers between different cultures.

5. Derribar mitos

6. Translation: To debunk myths.
7. Sentence: Su objetivo es derribar mitos sobre la educación superior.

8. Translation: His goal is to debunk myths about higher education.

9. Derribar las dudas

10. Translation: To dispel doubts.
11. Sentence: El nuevo informe intenta derribar las dudas sobre la seguridad del producto.

12. Translation: The new report seeks to dispel doubts about the safety of the product.

13. Derribar un argumento

14. Translation: To refute an argument.
15. Sentence: Es fácil derribar un argumento si tienes pruebas sólidas.
16. Translation: It is easy to refute an argument if you have solid evidence.

Etymology

The verb derribar comes from the combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "down" or "away" and the verb "ribar," which traces back to Latin "ribāre," meaning "to clear away." The evolution of the term emphasizes the action of knocking down or removing something from its place.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Tumbar (to knock down) - Destruir (to destroy) - Derrocar (to overthrow)

Antonyms: - Levantar (to raise) - Erigir (to erect) - Sostener (to support)