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    Apretaban (en. They pressed)

    /apɾeˈtaβan/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishSpanish
    verb
    The action of applying pressure on something to reduce its size or get it closer.
    They tightened the nut with all their might to make sure it wouldn’t loosen.
    Apretaban la tuerca con todas sus fuerzas para asegurarse de que no se soltara.
    To produce discomfort or difficulty by means of pressure.
    His shoes were so tight that he couldn't walk properly.
    Los zapatos le apretaban tanto que no podía caminar bien.
    To force someone to do something by pressure or threat.
    They pressured him to confess, even though he hadn't done anything.
    Lo apretaban para que confesara, aunque no había hecho nada.

    Etymology

    From the verb apretar, which comes from the Latin 'apretāre', meaning 'to squeeze, compress'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    tighten the nuts
    To impose discipline or pressure on someone.
    apretar las tuercas
    tighten your belt
    To cut expenses or adjust the budget.
    apretarse el cinturón
    tight as a chickpea
    To be in a very tight or uncomfortable situation.
    apretado como un garbanzo

    Related Words

    to tighten
    To apply pressure or force on something.
    apretar
    squeeze
    Pressure applied to something or someone.
    apretón
    tightness
    State of being tight or compressed.
    apretadura

    Slang Meanings

    To be in a complicated or difficult situation.
    At work, they pressured me so much that I could hardly breathe.
    En el trabajo me apretaban tanto que no podía ni respirar.
    It implies that someone is being forced or pressured to do something.
    They pressured him to carry out that impossible task.
    Lo apretaban para que llevara a cabo esa tarea imposible.