Spanish Conversation · Level 56
72 words
Spanish word
desatar
Pronunciation
IPA/desaˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbuntie
Example
¿Puedes desatar este nudo?
Can you untie this knot?
More examples
La noticia desató una ola de críticas.
The news unleashed a wave of criticism.
Core concept
A knot being undone that lets a restrained force burst free.
Common phrases
desatar un nudo
untie a knot
desatar los cordones
untie the laces
desatar la cuerda
untie the rope
Similar words
desabrochar: Unfastens buttons, snaps, hooks, or zippers to open clothing or closures.
deshacer: Unravels a knot or undoes a solidified/fixed state to restore the original condition.
soltar: Releases hold of an object so it becomes loose, free, or falls away.
quitar: Removes an object from a place or surface, taking it away or eliminating it.
Definition in Spanish
Provocar que algo se suelte o que una emoción o un suceso se manifieste con intensidad; también quitar un nudo o una atadura.
Word origin
It comes from des- 'remove' + atar 'to tie', so desatar literally means 'take a tie off' and extends to mean to set something free or to cause intense feelings or events.
Usage tips
- Desatar is used for triggering strong reactions (desatar la ira, desatar pasiones); soltar refers to letting go of an object and deshacer refers to undoing a condition.