Spanish Conversation · Level 69
60 words
Spanish word
alertar
Pronunciation
IPA/aleɾˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbwarn
Example
El gobierno alertó a la población sobre la tormenta.
The government warned the population about the storm.
More examples
El profesor me alertó sobre un error en la tarea.
The teacher alerted me about an error in the homework.
Core concept
A firefighter shouting about a gas leak and pointing people away.
Common phrases
alertar a alguien
alert someone
alertar sobre riesgos
alert about risks
alertar a la población
alert the population
Similar words
avisar: Tells someone ahead of time about an event or detail, often informally and without alarm.
advertir: Gives a cautionary warning about possible danger to encourage vigilance and care.
alarmar: Reports danger in a way that provokes anxiety or panic among listeners.
prevenir: Advises in advance to enable preparation or preventive action.
Definition in Spanish
Llamar la atención de alguien sobre un riesgo inminente para inducirle a protegerse o actuar.
Word origin
Spanish alertar comes from the noun alerta plus the verbal suffix -ar, and alerta traces to Italian all'erta and French alerte originally meaning 'on the watch'.
Usage tips
- Alertar carries a stronger, more urgent tone and appears in formal or official contexts, whereas casual warnings usually use avisar.
Other meanings
- notifyverb
- alarmverb
Opposites
- tranquilizarreassureverb
- calmarsootheverb
Related words
- alertawarningnoun
- alertadoalertedadjective