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verb

acomplejar

to feel self-conscious

Definition & meaning

Acomplejar is a verb that primarily means to cause someone to feel insecure, inferior, or self-conscious about a particular aspect of their appearance, personality, or social standing. It implies the development of an "inferiority complex" or a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy.

  1. To make someone feel insecure: To induce a sense of inadequacy or social discomfort in another person.
  2. To feel inhibited: In its reflexive form (acomplejarse), it means to become withdrawn or inhibited because of an internal perception of one's own flaws or perceived shortcomings.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is derived from the noun complejo (complex), with the prefix a- (meaning towards or to cause) and the verbal suffix -ar.

  • Grammar: It is a transitive verb, though it is very frequently used in its reflexive form, acomplejarse. It follows the regular conjugation pattern for verbs ending in -ar.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Inhibir : To restrain or inhibit someone from acting naturally.
  • Cohibir : To cause someone to feel shy or socially restricted.
  • Menoscabar : To diminish or lower someone's self-esteem.
  • Desmoralizar : To demoralize or discourage.

Antonyms:

  • Envalentonar : To embolden or encourage.
  • Estimular : To stimulate or boost someone's confidence.
  • Afirmar : To assert or reinforce (in the context of self-esteem).
  • Empoderar : To empower.

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Examples

Nos acomplejamos cuando nos comparan con otros.verb

We feel self-conscious when they compare us with others.

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