Spanish Conversation · Level 1
86 words
Spanish word
asaltar
Pronunciation
IPA/asalˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbattack
Example
Una noche, unos ladrones intentaron asaltarme cerca de mi casa.
One night, some thieves tried to attack me near my house.
More examples
El grupo intentó asaltar un banco de madrugada.
The group tried to rob a bank at dawn.
Core concept
A person leaping suddenly at someone or into a place to overpower or seize goods.
Common phrases
asaltar a alguien
attack someone
asaltar un banco
rob a bank
asaltar una tienda
rob a store
Similar words
robar: Take someone else's property without permission, typically by stealth or trickery.
atracar: Threaten or intimidate someone to forcefully take money or valuables.
agredir: Use physical violence to hurt another person and cause bodily injury.
saquear: Ransack a place or building and carry off goods in large-scale looting.
Definition in Spanish
Entrar o lanzarse contra alguien o contra un lugar de forma repentina para robar o agredir.
Word origin
From medieval Latin assaltare (ad- 'to' + saltare 'to jump'), originally 'to leap upon', which broadened to mean a sudden violent attack or raid.
Usage tips
- Often stronger than robar, asaltar emphasizes force and surprise, so asaltar a alguien can mean assault as well as rob.