apagón
blackout
noun ah-pah-GOHN Rare
Origin: From apagar ('to turn off') + augmentative -ón.
Also means
power cut
Usage Note
Apagón refers specifically to a sudden loss of electrical power — a blackout or power cut. The augmentative suffix -ón gives it a sense of abruptness. Do not confuse with oscuridad (darkness in general) or corte de luz (a more formal or planned power interruption). The plural follows the -ón pattern: apagones, losing the written accent.
Examples
"Hubo un apagón en todo el barrio anoche."
Natural Translation
There was a blackout across the whole neighbourhood last night.
Literal Translation
There-was a blackout in all the neighbourhood last-night.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read
SpanishNow
6 min read