Spanish word

acopiar

Pronunciation

IPA/akoˈpjaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbstock up on

Example

Durante la pandemia, muchas personas acopiaron papel higiénico.

During the pandemic, many people stocked up on toilet paper.

Illustration for acopiar (stock up on)

More examples

En las zonas secas, muchas familias acopian agua.

In dry areas, many families stock up on water.

Core concept

Buying extra items to build up a reserve for later use.

Common phrases

  • acopiar agua

    stock up on water

  • acopiar alimentos

    stock up on food

Similar words

acumular: Accumulates small amounts over time so the total grows gradually.
almacenar: Stores items in a safe place for long-term keeping.
guardar: Keeps items set aside until they are needed or used.
abastecerse: Buys needed supplies in bulk to provide for oneself.

Definition in Spanish

Comprar y reunir provisiones o reservas para tenerlas cuando sean necesarias.

Word origin

The verb comes from a- plus Latin copia 'supply', and it develops the sense of purchasing and collecting supplies to have on hand.

Usage tips

  • The word appears frequently in preparedness and news reports, while speakers often prefer hacer provisiones or comprar de más in casual shopping talk.

Other meanings

  • hoardverb

Opposites

  • gastaruse upverb
  • desabastecerdeprive of suppliesverb

Related words

  • acopiostockpilenoun
  • acopiadostockpiledadjective

Word lists with this word