Desfiladero (en. Defile)

/des.fi.laˈde.ɾo/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

Definition: A gorge is a natural indentation in a mountainous landscape that results in a narrow passage between high reliefs.

Example Sentence: The Montrebei gorge is an impressive place for hiking.

El desfiladero de Montrebei es un lugar impresionante para hacer senderismo.

Definition: It refers to a place where the terrain is steep and very abrupt.

Example Sentence: We crossed a gorge that led us to a spectacular view of the valley.

Cruzamos un desfiladero que nos llevó a una vista espectacular del valle.

Definition: It can also imply a dangerous or difficult place to traverse.

Example Sentence: Climbers must be careful when traversing the rocky gorge.

Los escaladores deben tener cuidado al transitar por el desfiladero rocoso.

Etymology/Origin: It comes from the verb 'to file' which means 'to pass in a row' and the suffix '-dero' which indicates a place.

Common Phrase: to pass through the gorge

Common Phrase Meaning: to cross a narrow and potentially dangerous place.

pasar por el desfiladero

Common Phrase: gorge of death

Common Phrase Meaning: expression used to refer to an extremely dangerous or unstable place.

desfiladero de la muerte

Related Word: throat

Related Word Description: Long and narrow indentation, often between mountains, similar to a gorge.

garganta

Related Word: canyon

Related Word Description: A deep indentation through which a river passes, wider than a gorge.

cañón

Slang Meaning: Gorge can be used to describe a complicated or dangerous situation.

Slang Example: That meeting with the boss was a real gorge.

Esa reunión con el jefe fue un verdadero desfiladero.

Slang Meaning: Used in contexts of adventure or extreme sports.

Slang Example: We dove down a gorge in this new virtual reality game.

Nos lanzamos por un desfiladero en este nuevo juego de realidad virtual.