asustar

Definition & meaning

The word asustar is a Spanish verb that means to scare, to frighten, or to startle. It refers to the action of causing a sudden feeling of fear, shock, or alarm in another person or animal.

There are two primary ways this word is used:

1. Transitive use: To frighten someone else. For example, "El ruido asustó al gato" (The noise scared the cat).
2. Pronominal use (asustarse [?]): To become scared or to be frightened by something. In this case, the subject is the one experiencing the fear. For example, "Me asusté con la película" (I got scared by the movie).

Grammar & Word origin

Asustar is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation (verbs ending in -ar).

The word is derived from the Spanish noun susto [?], which means "a fright" or "a scare." Historically, it traces back to the Latin verb suscitare [?], which means "to stir up," "to rouse," or "to awaken." This reflects the physical sensation of being startled or suddenly awakened from a state of calm by a frightening stimulus.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Espantar [?]: To frighten or chase away.
• Aterrar [?]: To terrify or fill with terror.
• Amedrentar [?]: To intimidate or make someone feel afraid.
• Intimidar [?]: To intimidate.
• Sobresaltar [?]: To startle or give someone a sudden shock.

Antonyms:

• Tranquilizar [?]: To calm down or reassure.
• Calmar [?]: To soothe or quieten.
• Serenar [?]: To make calm or serene.
• Animar [?]: To encourage or cheer up.