Spanish Conversation · Level 87
60 words
Spanish word
atropellar
Pronunciation
IPA/atɾopeˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verbrun over
Example
Ten cuidado al cruzar para no atropellar a un peatón.
Be careful when crossing so you don't run over a pedestrian.
More examples
Los conductores deben mirar los espejos para no atropellar a un ciclista.
Drivers should check their mirrors so as not to run over a cyclist.
Core concept
A car tire crushing a small object on the road.
Common phrases
atropellar a un peatón en un paso de peatones
run over a pedestrian on a crosswalk
atropellar a un ciclista
run over a cyclist
Similar words
arrollar: Run over and crush with a vehicle or other large, heavy moving object.
pisar: Put weight on something by stepping or rolling on it with a foot or wheel.
aplastar: Flatten or compress something by applying strong, crushing force.
chocar: Strike against another object or vehicle with force, producing an impact.
Definition in Spanish
Indica que un vehículo pasa sobre algo o alguien causando daño o aplastamiento; figuradamente, significa imponer o violar derechos o procesos.
Word origin
From the noun tropel 'rush, crowd' with prefix a- and verb ending -ar, originally meaning 'to push aside' and later used for a vehicle passing over and crushing something.
Usage tips
- Used both literally and figuratively, and when the object is a person Spanish normally marks it with the personal 'a' as in 'atropellar a alguien' so expect that construction.