nounverb

el despertar

wake up · wake

Es el momento en que una persona deja de dormir y abre los ojos para empezar el día.

Definition & meaning

The word despertar can function as both a verb and a noun in Spanish.

As a verb:

To wake up: To stop sleeping or to cause someone else to stop sleeping.
To stir or arouse: To stimulate interest, emotion, or a physical reaction in someone or something (e.g., "to awaken curiosity").
To become active: To begin to function or manifest, often used regarding nature or senses.

As a noun:

The act or moment of waking up: The state of coming out of sleep or a period of inactivity.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Despertar is an irregular verb. In the present indicative, the "e" in the stem changes to "ie" (e.g., yo despierto, tú despiertas).
It can be used transitively (to wake someone else up) or intransitively/reflexively (despertarse - to wake oneself up).
As a noun, it is masculine (el despertar).

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin dispertare, which is a combination of dis- (separation or undoing) and espergere (to stir or arouse). Essentially, it conveys the idea of "shaking off" the state of sleep.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Despabilarse : To perk up or become alert.
Avivar : To sharpen or brighten, often used for feelings or senses.
Estimular : To stimulate or provoke interest.

Antonyms:

Dormir : To sleep.
Adormecer : To put to sleep or to make drowsy.
Apagar : To extinguish or dull, often used in the context of suppressing an emotion or interest.