Spanish Conversation · Level 87
60 words
Spanish word
arrollar
Pronunciation
IPA/aroˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verboverwhelm
Example
El equipo rival arrolló a nuestro equipo en el primer tiempo.
The opposing team overwhelmed our team in the first half.
More examples
La avalancha arrolló la ladera y bloqueó la carretera.
The avalanche swept the hillside away and blocked the road.
Core concept
A bulldozer pushing aside obstacles.
Common phrases
arrollar a un adversario
crush an opponent
arrollar por goleada
win by a wide margin
Similar words
aplastar: Smashes or squashes an object or person under great force until it cannot move.
derrotar: Wins against an opponent in a match or battle.
arrasar: Devastates opponents so they are left completely defeated.
atropellar: Strikes and injures by running over with a car or similar vehicle.
Definition in Spanish
Imponer la propia fuerza o superioridad hasta anular la resistencia del contrario; en sentido literal, pasar por encima o atropellar.
Word origin
From the intensive prefix a- plus a root meaning 'to roll' or 'turn over', originally a physical rolling-over action and later used figuratively to mean overwhelming force.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech arrollar often stresses crushing force and commonly describes decisive wins, so speakers use softer verbs like superar in more neutral or polite contexts.
Other meanings
- run oververb
- sweep awayverb
Related words
- arrolladooverwhelmedadjective
- arrolladorsteamrollernoun