"Sobresaltar" is a verb in Spanish.
/sobɾe.salˈtaɾ/
"Sobresaltar" generally means to make something stand out or to emphasize it. It can also refer to the action of surprising or shocking someone. In common use, the verb can appear in both oral speech and written contexts, particularly in formal writing or discussions where emphasis is required.
The term is relatively common in both spoken and written Spanish, used frequently in academic and professional settings as well as in everyday conversation.
The teacher highlighted the most important points of the class.
Me sobresalté cuando alguien llamó a la puerta.
I was startled when someone knocked at the door.
Es importante sobresaltar los logros del equipo en la presentación.
While "sobresaltar" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it can be part of expressions that convey emphasis or surprise.
Highlighting the differences is crucial to understanding the topic.
Me sobresalta la idea de perder el trabajo.
The idea of losing my job startles me.
No quiero sobresaltar a los estudiantes con tanta información.
I don’t want to overwhelm the students with so much information.
El informe sobresalta los riesgos asociados con la inversión.
The word "sobresaltar" is derived from the prefix "sobre-" meaning "over" or "above," and "saltar," which means "to jump." Thus, the literal translation could be interpreted as "to jump up" or "to leap above," metaphorically referring to the act of bringing something to attention or causing surprise.