derrocar

The Spanish verb "derrocar" means to overthrow or to topple a person, usually someone in power like a government or leader. It implies the act of forcibly removing someone from a position of authority.

Meaning:

1. To overthrow (a government or leader): Typically used in political contexts to describe the act of removing someone from power, often through rebellious, revolutionary, or forceful means.

2. To knock down or demolish: Less commonly, it can be used more literally, in the sense of knocking something down or causing something to fall.

Parts of the word:

• "derrocar" comes from the combination of the prefix "de-" (which often means "down" or "away") and the root "rocar" (related to "roc" or "rock," implying stability or solidity—although "rocar" as an independent verb is not used in Spanish, the influence relates to terms of knocking down).

Spanish synonyms:

• derrumbar: to demolish, to knock down, to overthrow
• dethronar: specifically to dethrone, typically for kings or monarchs
• deponer: to depose, especially in legal or political contexts
• tumbar: to knock down, more colloquial

Spanish antonyms:

• instaurar: to establish, to set up a government or system
• asesorar: to advise (used in different context, but a political figure not overthrown)
• mantener: to maintain, to keep in power

Example:

"El pueblo decidió derrocar al dictador después de años de opresión."
"The people decided to overthrow the dictator after years of oppression."

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In summary, "derrocar" is mainly used to describe overturning governments or authorities, with a connotation of forceful removal or rebellion.