"Propinar" is a verb in Spanish.
/bro.piˈnaɾ/
"Propinar" generally means to deliver something, often in an aggressive or forceful manner. It can refer specifically to administering a punishment or inflicting a blow. In legal contexts, it may relate to the administration of justice or penalties. In colloquial usage, it's often associated with physical altercations or delivering a metaphorical blow (like criticism).
The frequency of usage can vary depending on the region, but it’s more commonly found in written contexts such as legal documents or news articles rather than in everyday oral communication.
"El joven decidió propinar un golpe a su agresor."
("The young man decided to deliver a blow to his attacker.")
"El juez decidió propinar una multa al infractor."
("The judge decided to administer a fine to the offender.")
"La crítica en su reseña realmente propinó un duro golpe a la película."
("The criticism in his review really dealt a hard blow to the movie.")
While "propinar" is not extremely common in idiomatic expressions, it can appear in various metaphoric contexts. Here are some examples:
"Propinar una lección."
("To deliver a lesson.")
Meaning: To teach someone a lesson, often in a confrontational way.
"Propinar un sopapo."
("To give a smack.")
Meaning: To hit someone lightly but unexpectedly, usually as a reprimand.
"Propinar una ráfaga de críticas."
("To deliver a barrage of criticism.")
Meaning: To subject someone or something to a detailed and vigorous critique.
"Propinar un correctivo."
("To administer a corrective action.")
Meaning: To take action against someone in response to their behavior, often in a disciplinary manner.
The word "propinar" comes from the Latin "propinare," which means "to serve (food or drink)," derived from "propinare," meaning "to drink in honor of" or "to furnish." The prefix "pro-" suggests the idea of advancing or delivering.
Synonyms: - Administrar (to administer) - Impartir (to impart) - Infundir (to instill)
Antonyms: - Retirar (to withdraw) - Quitar (to take away) - Desprender (to detach)
These alternatives offer different nuances, depending on the context in which "propinar" might be applied.