Spanish Conversation · Level 122
60 words
Spanish word
esposar
Pronunciation
IPA/espoˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbhandcuff
Example
Los agentes esposaron al ladrón frente a la tienda.
The officers handcuffed the thief in front of the store.
More examples
El detenido fue esposado antes de subir al coche patrulla.
The detainee was handcuffed before getting into the patrol car.
Core concept
A person's wrists secured by metal handcuffs.
Common phrases
esposar a alguien
place handcuffs on someone
esposar las manos
handcuff the wrists
Similar words
arrestar: Detains a person under legal authority and takes them into custody.
detener: Stops a person's movements at the scene, temporarily depriving them of freedom.
atar: Binds a person or object with rope or cord to prevent movement.
Definition in Spanish
Poner unas esposas en las muñecas de una persona para impedirle moverse, especialmente en contextos policiales.
Word origin
From the noun esposas 'handcuffs', with the verb formed by the regular -ar ending to mean putting those cuffs on someone.
Usage tips
- Esposar a alguien sounds formal or police-specific; in casual speech speakers often say ponerle las esposas a alguien or detener a alguien.