Sujetar is a verb.
/su.xeˈtaɾ/
Sujetar generally means to hold or to secure something in a specific position. It is often used in contexts where an object needs to be physically held in place or when securing something conceptually. This verb can be used across various contexts, including physical actions (like holding an object) and abstract concepts (like holding an idea or belief).
Frequency of Use: The verb is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, although it may appear more frequently in written Spanish when discussing technical or procedural matters.
Es importante sujetar bien las herramientas antes de usar.
It is important to hold the tools securely before using them.
Ella decidió sujetar la puerta para que no se cerrara.
She decided to hold the door open so it wouldn’t close.
Necesitamos sujetar las ideas principales antes de presentar el proyecto.
We need to hold onto the main ideas before presenting the project.
Sujetar is frequently used in various idiomatic expressions:
Sujetar el tipo
To keep one's composure
Example: Aunque estaba nervioso, logró sujetar el tipo durante la presentación.
Even though he was nervous, he managed to keep his composure during the presentation.
Sujetar la mirada
To maintain eye contact
Example: Es fundamental sujetar la mirada durante una conversación para mostrar confianza.
It is essential to maintain eye contact during a conversation to show confidence.
Sujetar el corazón
To brace oneself emotionally
Example: Debía sujetar el corazón antes de escuchar las noticias.
She had to brace herself emotionally before hearing the news.
Sujetar las riendas
To take control of a situation
Example: Cuando el proyecto fracasó, decidió sujetar las riendas y cambiar el enfoque.
When the project failed, she decided to take control and change the approach.
The verb sujetar comes from the Latin word subjicere, which means "to throw under," a compound of sub- (under) and jacere (to throw). The evolution of the term maintained the sense of holding something down or securing it in place.
Synonyms: - Agarrar (to grab) - Mantener (to maintain) - Asegurar (to secure)
Antonyms: - Soltar (to release) - Descuidar (to neglect) - Liberar (to liberate)
This comprehensive overview provides a detailed understanding of the verb sujetar, its uses, expressions, and related information in Spanish.