Spanish Conversation · Level 36
75 words
Spanish word
cercar
Pronunciation
IPA/θeɾˈkaɾ/
Meaning
- verbsurround
Example
Los fans cercaron al cantante después del concierto.
After the concert, the fans surrounded the singer.
More examples
Los soldados cercaron la ciudad durante la noche.
The soldiers surrounded the city during the night.
Core concept
A cordon of officers forming a sealed ring that blocks entry and exit.
Common phrases
cercar a alguien
surround someone
cercar un edificio
surround a building
cercar con vallas
surround with fences
Similar words
rodear: Forms a ring around something or someone, surrounding it on all sides.
encerrar: Locks a person or thing inside an area so they cannot get out.
aislar: Isolates a person or place by cutting it off from surroundings and preventing contact or movement.
bloquear: Blocks a path, road, or exit to stop people or vehicles from passing.
Definition in Spanish
Formar un cerco o rodear algo o a alguien para impedir su entrada o salida, normalmente de forma física o formal.
Word origin
From the noun cerca 'fence' (from Latin circum 'around') plus the verbal suffix -ar, meaning to form an enclosure or besiege.
Usage tips
- Used for formal or physical enclosures such as sieges or police cordons, and when the object is a person Spanish places a before the person.