Spanish word

apoderar

Pronunciation

IPA/apoðeˈɾaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbauthorize

Example

Mi padre me apoderó para cobrar su pensión.

My father authorized me to collect his pension.

Illustration for apoderar (authorize)

More examples

Le apoderé a mi hermano para pagar una factura porque yo no podía acceder a la cuenta online.

I authorized my brother to pay a bill because I couldn't access the online account.

Core concept

Granting someone authority to act or decide on another person's behalf.

Common phrases

  • apoderar a alguien para pagar una factura

    authorize someone to pay a bill

  • apoderar a un familiar para gestionar trámites en mi nombre

    authorize a family member to handle paperwork on my behalf

Similar words

delegar: Hands over responsibility for duties so another person executes them on behalf of the delegator.
autorizar: Grants official permission or sanction for a specific act, decision, or use.
encargar: Commissions someone to carry out a specific job or errand and holds them responsible.
representar: Serves as another person's agent to act, speak, or make decisions for them.

Definition in Spanish

Dar a alguien autoridad o poder para actuar o decidir en nombre de otra persona.

Word origin

Formed from prefix a- (from Latin ad-) plus poder (from Latin posse) and the verbal ending -ar, meaning to give power to someone.

Usage tips

  • Used chiefly in legal and formal contexts such as powers of attorney, where an apoderado is named with specific authorities.

Opposites

Related words

  • apoderadoauthorized representativenoun

Word lists with this word