Unusual, but useful Spanish verbs (Level 2)

trastocar

to disrupt, turn upside down, or completely mess up a plan

escatimar

to skimp on, pinch pennies, or stint on resources

zafar

to untie, loosen, or free something from a bind

prorrogar

to extend or postpone a deadline, meeting, or contract

antojarse

to suddenly crave, fancy, or feel a whim for something

percatarse

to notice, become aware of, or perceive a subtle detail

arrepentirse

to regret, rue, or change one’s mind about a decision

esmerarse

to try hard or take great pains

to do something flawlessly

agudizar

to sharpen, worsen, or intensity a problem, sense, or pain.

menoscabar

to damage, undermine, or lessen someone’s reputation or value

apremiar

to urge, press, or hurry someone because time is short

despejar

to clear up, empty out, or declutter a physical space or doubts

abastecer

to supply, provide, or stock up on essential goods or food

agilizar

to speed up, streamline, or accelerate a process or bureaucratic task

garantizar

to guarantee, warrant, or ensure an outcome or a promise

reanudar

to resume, restart, or pick up a conversation or activity after a pause

involucrarse

to get involved, participate actively, or immerse oneself in something

percatarse

to notice, become aware of, or spot a subtle but important detail

comprometerse

to commit oneself, pledge, or get engaged to a task or person

acostumbrarse

to get used to, adapt, or habituate oneself to a new situation

fomentar

to promote, encourage, or foster an activity, habit, or growth

optimizar

to optimize, maximize efficiency, or make the absolute best use of

aliviar

to relieve, soothe, or ease physical pain, stress, or a burden

descartar

to discard, rule out, eliminate, or reject an option or idea

albergar

to house, shelter, or harbor a physical object, a person, or a deep feeling

prescindir

to do without, dispense with, or cut out something that is unnecessary

asincerarse

to open up, be completely honest, or clear your conscience with someone

desentenderse

to shirk responsibility, wash your hands of, or ignore a situation completely

perfeccionarse

to perfect oneself, hone your skills, or improve continuously in a craft

someterse

to submit oneself, undergo or yield to a process, rule, or medical exam

interceder

to intercede, step in, or mediate on behalf of someone to solve a conflict

evidenciar

to make evident, demonstrate, or clearly show proof of something

sobresalir

to stand out, excel, or project noticeably above the rest

encajar

to fit in, slot into place, or belong socially or physically

acatar

to comply with, respect, or obey a rule, order, or law

abarcar

to span, encompass, include, or cover a wide range of topics or space