The word hurtar is a verb.
/hurˈtaɾ/
"Hurtar" is a Spanish verb that signifies the act of stealing or taking something without the owner's consent. It is often associated with the idea of taking something discreetly or secretly, without resorting to overt force. The word is used in both legal contexts, referring specifically to theft in criminal law, and in everyday conversation.
In terms of frequency, "hurtar" is more common in written contexts, such as legal documents, literature, or reports discussing crime. However, it can also be found in oral speech, particularly when discussing theft or similar topics.
Se le acusó de hurtar el dinero de la caja.
(He was accused of stealing the money from the cash register.)
No es correcto hurtar la propiedad de otra persona.
(It is not right to steal someone else's property.)
La policía está investigando a quienes hurtaron en la tienda.
(The police are investigating those who stole from the store.)
While "hurtar" itself is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it does form part of expressions related to theft or discreet actions. Below are examples involving variations or contexts that play on the concept of stealing:
Hurtar de la vista
(To steal from sight)
No se puede hurtar de la vista algo que está tan presente.
(You cannot steal from sight something that is so present.)
Hurtar el corazón
(To steal the heart)
Esa canción me hurtó el corazón desde el primer momento.
(That song stole my heart from the very first moment.)
Hurtar la atención
(To steal attention)
Su talento para actuar siempre hurta la atención del público.
(Her acting talent always steals the audience's attention.)
The origin of the verb "hurtar" can be traced back to the Latin word "furtare," which means to steal or to carry away illicitly. This etymological root reflects the focus on theft and taking without permission.
"Hurtar" emphasizes the act of taking unlawfully, anchoring itself in contexts of theft and illicit behavior, while its synonyms and antonyms widen the semantic scope related to possession and ownership.