quebrantar

The Spanish verb "quebrantar" generally means to break, to breach, or to violate. It is a somewhat formal or literary term and has a couple of related uses.

Meaning:

1. To break or shatter:

   • It can refer to physically breaking something, like breaking a stick or glass.
   • Example: quebrantar una rama (to break a branch).

2. To violate or break a rule, law, or agreement:

   • It is often used in contexts where a law, promise, or moral principle is violated or disrespected.
   • Example: quebrantar un contrato (to break a contract).
   • Another typical usage is in the phrase quebrantar la ley (to break the law).

3. To weaken or cause distress:

   • It can also mean to weaken or break someone's spirit or resolve.
   • Example: quebrantar la moral (to break morale).

Parts:

• Root: quebr- comes from the Latin crepare, meaning to break or burst.
• The suffix -antar is a common verbal ending.

Synonyms:

• romper (break)
• violar (violate)
• infringir (infringe)
• fracturar (fracture, break)
• desgastar (wear down, weaken — in some contexts)
• debilitar (weaken, especially in terms of moral or physical strength)

Antonyms:

• reparar (to repair)
• cumplir (to fulfill, as in fulfilling rules or promises)
• fortalecer (to strengthen)

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In summary, quebrantar is a formal verb used mainly to express breaking or violating something — whether physically, morally, legally, or emotionally.