absperren
block off
etwas so schließen oder sichern, dass niemand hinein, hinaus oder vorbei kann.
The German word "absperren" is a verb made of the prefix "ab" (meaning "off" or "away from") and the verb "sperren" (meaning "to block" or "to lock").
Meaning:
"absperren" means to block off, to cordon off, or to close/lock off an area or access, usually for security, safety, or control reasons.
Similar words:
- abschließen (to lock, to conclude)
- blockieren (to block)
- versperren (to block, to bar)
Differences:
- abschließen emphasizes locking or finishing something, not necessarily blocking access physically.
- blockieren is more general, meaning to block or obstruct but not necessarily with intentional cordoning off.
- versperren is akin to blocking something in a way that prevents passage, similar to "absperren," but "absperren" often implies a deliberate action for control or safety (e.g., police cordoning off a crime scene).
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Examples
Wir müssen die Straße für das Fest absperren.verb
We need to block off the street for the festival.
Die Arbeiter haben das Gelände wegen Bauarbeiten abgesperrt.verb
The workers have blocked off the site because of construction work.
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