Lastrar is a verb.
/lasˈtɾaɾ/
"Lastrar" refers to the act of adding weight to something, usually to stabilize it (as in a ship) or to make it more secure and less likely to move or tip over. In some contexts, it can mean to hinder progress or to impose burdens. The term is used both in technical and general conversations, often related to engineering, navigation, or metaphorically in everyday speech.
The frequency of use of "lastrar" can vary depending on the context, but it is commonly used in technical discussions, especially in construction, shipping, and aviation. The term is more prevalent in written contexts, such as manuals or academic articles, though you may encounter it in oral discussions related to specific fields.
Lastrar un barco es esencial para evitar que se vuelque en mares agitados.
(Ballasting a ship is essential to prevent it from capsizing in rough seas.)
Decidieron lastrar el vehículo para mejorar su estabilidad en la carretera.
(They decided to weigh down the vehicle to improve its stability on the road.)
Las dificultades financieras pueden lastrar el crecimiento de una empresa.
(Financial difficulties can weigh down a company's growth.)
While "lastrar" itself is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it can occur in contexts that reference the idea of being burdened or hindered.
Lastrar el camino:
"Lastrar el camino hacia el éxito puede ser un desafío."
(Ballasting the path to success can be a challenge.)
Lastrar un proyecto:
"Sistemas obsoletos pueden lastrar un proyecto de innovación."
(Obsolete systems can weigh down an innovation project.)
Sin dejarse lastrar por los problemas:
"Debemos avanzar sin dejarnos lastrar por los problemas del pasado."
(We must move forward without being weighed down by past problems.)
The word "lastrar" comes from the Latin term "lastra," which means a slab or a flat piece of rock. This relates to the idea of using heavy materials to form a base or support structure.