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apretar

to squeeze

verb ah-preh-TAHR Rare

Also means

to tighten

Usage Note

Apretar is a stem-changing verb (e→ie): aprieto, aprietas, aprieta. It covers squeezing (a hand), tightening (a screw), pressing (a button), and even 'cramming' people into a space. The noun apretón means a squeeze or a firm handshake (un apretón de manos). Apretar el cinturón ('to tighten one's belt') is a common idiom for cutting expenses.

Examples

"Aprieta el botón para encender la luz."

Natural Translation

Press the button to turn on the light.

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