verb

capar

castrate

The Spanish word "capar" is a verb and has a few related meanings, mainly linked to the idea of removal or limitation.

Meaning:

  1. To castrate (an animal): In an agricultural or veterinary context, "capar" means to castrate a male animal, usually to control reproduction or calm aggressive behavior.
  2. To limit or reduce something: Figuratively, "capar" can mean to cut back, limit, or restrict something—such as resources, freedoms, or capacities.

Parts of the Word:

  • The verb root is "cap-", which is related to "capón" (a castrated rooster) and another word "capa" (layer or coat).
  • The "-ar" suffix marks this as a regular first conjugation verb in Spanish.

Synonyms:

  • For meaning 1 (castrate): "castrar", "esterilizar" (though "esterilizar" is slightly different, more general sterilization)
  • For meaning 2 (limit/restrict): "reducir", "limitar"

Antonyms:

  • For meaning 1: no direct antonym because the action is a physical alteration, but colloquially one might consider "procrear" (to procreate) as a conceptual opposite.
  • For meaning 2: "aumentar" (to increase), "ampliar" (to expand), "permitir" (to allow)

Summary:
"Capar" means primarily to castrate an animal but is also used metaphorically to mean limiting or cutting back something. It is a regular "-ar" verb with related synonyms like "castrar" (to castrate) and "limitar" (to limit).

Make “capar” part of your vocabulary.

Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

¿Por qué decidieron capar a los animales tan jóvenes?verb

Why did they decide to castrate the animals so young?

Keep exploring Spanish

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).