Spanish Conversation · Level 63
76 words
Spanish word
atemorizar
Pronunciation
IPA/atemoɾiˈθaɾ/
Meaning
- verbscare
Example
No quiero atemorizar a los niños.
I don't want to scare the children.
More examples
Los delincuentes intentaban atemorizar a la gente.
The criminals tried to scare people.
Core concept
A looming figure casting a long shadow over a smaller person.
Common phrases
atemorizar a alguien
scare someone
atemorizar a la gente
scare people
atemorizar con amenazas
intimidate with threats
Similar words
asustar: Startle or frighten someone suddenly, causing a brief sharp fear.
intimidar: Threaten or overawe someone so they restrict their actions out of fear.
amedrentar: Make someone lose confidence and shrink back, reducing their initiative.
aterrorizar: Fill someone with intense terror that overwhelms and immobilizes them.
Definition in Spanish
Causar miedo o temor en alguien; hacer que una persona se sienta asustada o intimidada.
Word origin
Formed from Latin ad- plus temor (Latin timor 'fear') with the verbal suffix -izar to mean 'to cause fear'.
Usage tips
- Asustar is used for sudden startles, while atemorizar implies intimidation or prolonged fear and typically appears with a direct object as atemorizar a alguien.
Other meanings
- intimidateverb
Opposites
- tranquilizarcalmverb
- animarcheer upverb
Related words
- atemorizaciónintimidationnoun
- atemorizadofrightenedadjective
- atemorizanteintimidatingadjective