Spanish Conversation · Level 99
60 words
Spanish word
derribar
Pronunciation
IPA/deriˈβaɾ/
Meaning
- verbknock down
Example
El viento puede derribar el árbol.
The wind can knock down the tree.
More examples
Durante el partido, el defensa intentó derribar al delantero.
During the match, the defender tried to knock down the forward.
Core concept
A person knocked off their feet by a shove.
Common phrases
derribar a alguien
knock someone down
derribar un jugador
knock down a player
derribar un avión
shoot down a plane
Similar words
tumbar: Pushes an upright item so it topples and comes to rest on its side.
tirar: Pulls or yanks an object so it is dragged down and falls over.
volcar: Disrupts an object's balance so it tips and rolls into an overturned position.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer que algo deje de estar en pie o estable, provocando su caída o derrumbe; se aplica sobre todo a efectos físicos y, en contextos limitados, a usos figurados.
Word origin
From the prefix de- 'down' plus an ancient verb root, the verb denotes making something fall from standing and is used for both physical topple and some figurative acts of bringing down.
Usage tips
- Derribar and tumbar overlap for knocking over people or objects, but derribar tends to convey stronger force or damage and is the preferred choice for demolition or shooting-down contexts.