verb
espolear
spur
Definition & meaning
The verb espolear has two primary meanings:
- To spur a horse: Literally, this means to prick a horse with the rowels of a spur to make it move faster or to urge it onward.
- To stimulate or incite: Figuratively, it means to encourage, goad, or prompt a person or an entity to act, to accelerate a process, or to increase effort toward a specific goal.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: It is a regular transitive verb ending in -ar. It is used to describe both physical action and psychological influence.
Word origin: It is derived from the Spanish noun espuela , which means "spur." The suffix -ear is added to denote the action related to that object. Espuela itself comes from the Old High German sporo.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Aguijonear (to prick or goad)
- Estimular (to stimulate)
- Incitar (to incite)
- Instigar (to instigate)
- Acelerar (to accelerate)
Antonyms:
Make “espolear” part of your vocabulary.
Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
El granjero espolea al caballo para que camine.verb
The farmer spurs the horse to make it walk.
Keep exploring Spanish
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad