Spanish Conversation · Level 31
90 words
Spanish word
embargar
Pronunciation
IPA/embaɾˈɣaɾ/
Meaning
- verbseize
Example
El banco puede embargar tu cuenta si no pagas.
The bank can seize your account if you fail to pay.
More examples
Si existe una orden, pueden embargar parte del sueldo del trabajador.
If there is an order, they can garnish part of the worker's salary.
Core concept
A bailiff attaching a court padlock to a house door.
Common phrases
embargar una cuenta
attach an account
embargar parte del sueldo
garnish part of the salary
embargar el coche
impound the car
Similar words
bloquear: Blocks a card or account so deposits, withdrawals, and payments cannot occur.
congelar: Freezes an account balance or assets so withdrawals and transfers are prevented.
confiscar: Takes illegal goods or property liable to penalties and makes them state property.
retener: Withholds a portion of wages or a payment by deducting it before delivery.
Definition in Spanish
Retener o bloquear bienes, cuentas o derechos por mandato judicial o administrativo para garantizar el cumplimiento de una obligación.
Word origin
It derives from em- (variant of en-) plus Spanish barra 'bar', originally meaning 'to bar', and the verb conveys the action of legally blocking access to property.
Usage tips
- In Spanish legal language embargar is the standard term for court-ordered freezes or seizures, while confiscar tends to be used for police or administrative confiscations.