verb
enfermar
get sick
Perder la salud o hacer que otra persona la pierda.
Definition & meaning
Enfermar means to become ill or to make someone ill, depending on how it is used.
- To become ill: Enfermó durante el viaje. — “She became ill during the trip.”
- To make ill: La contaminación puede enfermar a las personas. — “Pollution can make people ill.”
The reflexive form enfermarse also means “to become ill” and is common in Latin America.
Grammar & Word origin
Enfermar is a regular -ar verb. It can be used intransitively, with no direct object, or transitively, with a person as the direct object.
It comes from Latin infirmāre, meaning “to weaken.” It is related to enfermo , meaning “ill” or “sick.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonyms: enfermarse also means “to become ill.” Caer enfermo emphasizes falling ill.
- Antonyms: sanar means “to heal” or “to recover”; recuperarse emphasizes regaining health or strength.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Mi hermano enfermó la semana pasada.verb
My brother got sick last week.
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