Verb (transitive)
/uɾ.tɾaˈxaɾ/
In Spanish, "ultrajar" refers to the act of insulting or offending someone severely, often in a public or humiliating way. It carries a connotation of deep disrespect or violation, particularly towards a person's dignity. The word is more commonly used in written contexts, especially in legal or formal discussions, than in everyday spoken conversation.
The lawyer argued that his client was insulted by the authorities.
Es inaceptable ultrajar a alguien en público.
It is unacceptable to insult someone in public.
El incidente fue considerado un ultraje a la moralidad pública.
"Ultrajar" does not frequently feature in fixed idiomatic expressions; however, it is used in various contexts where the concept of insulting or offending is important. Below are some sentences that reflect various ways it can appear in discourse:
One should not insult those who help you.
El ultraje a sus creencias fue un tema central en la discusión.
The offense to his beliefs was a central theme in the discussion.
Sentí que ultrajaron mi confianza al no decirme la verdad.
I felt they insulted my trust by not telling me the truth.
El comentario ultrajante generó una gran controversia.
The insulting comment generated a great controversy.
La sociedad no puede permitir el ultraje a los derechos humanos.
The word "ultrajar" comes from the Latin "ultrā," meaning "beyond" or "in excess," combined with "jacer," which means "to throw." Thus, it conveys the idea of throwing something beyond acceptable limits, in this case, respect and civility.