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

Part of Speech

Verbo

Phonetic Transcription

/des.ba.ˈɾa.tar/

Translation Options into English

• To thwart
• To dismantle
• To foil
• To wreck

Meaning and Usage

"Desbaratar" is a transitive verb in Spanish that generally means to thwart or disrupt plans. It can also refer to the act of dismantling something, either physically or metaphorically. The term is commonly used in both general and military contexts, often when discussing the prevention of an operation or the failure of a plan.

The frequency of use for "desbaratar" is moderate, and it is prevalent in both oral speech and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to law enforcement or strategic operations.

Example Sentences

1. La policía logró desbaratar la operación de contrabando.

2. The police managed to thwart the smuggling operation.

3. Desbarataron los planes del enemigo antes de que pudieran llevarse a cabo.

4. They foiled the enemy's plans before they could be implemented.

5. El huracán desbarató todos los preparativos de la fiesta.

6. The hurricane wrecked all the party preparations.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Desbaratar" is not specifically tied to a wide variety of idiomatic expressions, but it can be used in phrases emphasizing failure or disruption:

1. Desbaratar los planes de alguien.
2. To thwart someone's plans.

3. El detective fue capaz de desbaratar los planes de los criminales.

   • The detective was able to thwart the criminals' plans.

4. Desbaratar la paz.

5. To disrupt peace.

6. El ataque desbarató la paz que se había logrado.

   • The attack disrupted the peace that had been achieved.

7. Desbaratar un complot.

8. To foil a plot.
9. Los agentes secretos desbarataron un complot contra el gobierno.
   • The secret agents foiled a plot against the government.

Etymology

The term "desbaratar" stems from the prefix "des-" denoting negation or removal, combined with "baratar," which means "to barter" or "to lower price." The evolution of "desbaratar" conveys the sense of breaking down or disrupting a transaction, plan, or arrangement.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Frustrar (to frustrate) - Deshacer (to undo) - Destrozar (to destroy)

Antonyms: - Realizar (to accomplish) - Completar (to complete) - Sostener (to sustain)

This structure provides a thorough overview of "desbaratar," highlighting its meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, and other linguistic components.