Spanish Conversation · Level 104
59 words
Spanish word
arrebatar
Pronunciation
IPA/areβaˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbsnatch away
Example
Me arrebataron el bolso en la plaza.
Someone snatched away my purse in the square.
More examples
Esa película me arrebata desde la primera escena.
That film captivates me from the first scene.
Core concept
Audience's attention being ripped toward a performer.
Common phrases
arrebatar el bolso
snatch the bag
arrebatar la cartera
snatch the wallet
arrebatar la atención
capture attention
Similar words
robar: Take someone else's property unlawfully and keep it.
hurtar: Take someone's property stealthily without their noticing.
quitar: Remove something from a place, surface, or situation.
arrancar: Pull something off or out with force from where it is attached.
Definition in Spanish
Sustraer o arrancar algo perteneciente a otro de forma súbita o violenta; en sentido figurado, fascinar u ocupar totalmente la atención o el ánimo de alguien.
Word origin
Derived from Latin rapere 'to seize' through raptare, arrebatar extends that literal seizing to mean overwhelming or captivating someone's attention.
Usage tips
- When used about feelings or attention, arrebatar implies being carried away or overwhelmed, stronger than encantar or fascinar.