Spanish word

espanto

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈpanto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounterror

Example

Sentí espanto al escuchar aquel grito.

I felt terror when I heard that scream.

Illustration for espanto (terror)

More examples

Se quedó paralizado de espanto al ver la sombra moverse.

He was paralyzed with terror when he saw the shadow move.

Core concept

Intense, sudden fear that causes a physical jolting reaction.

Common phrases

  • reaccionar con espanto

    react with terror

  • quedarse paralizado de espanto

    be paralyzed with terror

Similar words

miedo: Persistent fear or worry experienced in the face of danger or uncertainty.
susto: Brief, sharp fright triggered by an unexpected surprise.
pavor: Crippling, overwhelming fear that makes the body freeze or tremble.
horror: A chilling mix of fear and disgust that produces a visceral revulsion.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa un miedo intenso y repentino, a menudo acompañado de sobresalto o de una fuerte reacción corporal.

Word origin

From the verb espantar, itself derived in medieval Romance from Latin ex- attached to a verb stem (the ex- becoming es- in Spanish), and espanto denotes the state produced by being espantado.

Usage tips

  • Espanto is stronger than miedo and usually signals a striking, immediate reaction, so use it for dramatic or vivid descriptions rather than casual remarks.

Other meanings

  • fearnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • espantarscareverb
  • espantosoterrifyingadjective

Word lists with this word