Verb
/dɛs.paˈβi.laɾ/
"Despabilar" is a colloquial verb used primarily in Spain and some parts of Latin America. It refers to the act of making someone awake, alert, or attentive. The word often carries an informal tone, and it is more commonly used in spoken language compared to written contexts. It suggests a sense of rousing someone out of drowsiness or distraction.
The usage frequency can be considered moderate, mostly among younger generations and in informal settings.
I need you to wake me up before the meeting.
Esa música está destinada a despabilar a la audiencia.
That music is meant to rouse the audience.
Despabílate, que ya es tarde para ir a trabajar.
"Despabilar" is not commonly found in numerous idiomatic expressions; however, it can contribute to several phrases that involve alertness or increased awareness.
Translation: After the nap, she really needed to wake up and be productive.
Necesitamos despabilar un poco para la presentación.
Translation: We were all dozing off, and it was time to rouse ourselves for the presentation.
Deja de soñar despierto y despabílate.
The word "despabilar" comes from the prefix "des-" which denotes a negation or reversal, combined with "pabilar." The term "pabilo" in Spanish refers to a wick or a small thread used for lighting flames, metaphorically linking to igniting awareness or alertness.