Spanish Conversation · Level 144
44 words
Spanish word
derrumbar
Pronunciation
IPA/derumˈbaɾ/
Meaning
- verbknock down
Example
El fuerte viento puede derrumbar los árboles.
The strong wind can knock down the trees.
More examples
La campaña busca derrumbar mitos sobre la salud.
The campaign seeks to debunk myths about health.
Core concept
A tree uprooted and toppled by strong wind.
Common phrases
derrumbar mitos
debunk myths
derrumbar ideas equivocadas
overturn mistaken ideas
Similar words
derribar: Overturns something by applying an external force.
tumbar: Tilts something over onto its side.
colapsar: Falls in suddenly from structural or systemic breakdown.
demoler: Deliberately razes a building as part of planned demolition.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer que algo se derrumbe o deje de sostenerse; se usa tanto para estructuras físicas como para efectos figurados.
Word origin
From Latin de- combined with rumpere "to break", which produced Romance forms that became the Spanish verb derrumbar.
Usage tips
- English speakers often confuse derrumbar with derribar, but derrumbar often implies collapse from loss of support while derribar implies an external knock or push.