amparar

ahm-pah-RAHRampaˈɾaɾ

“amparar” means “to protect” in Spanish (to provide legal or physical safety).

to protect, to shelter

Also: to safeguard, to rely on

VerbB2regular ar

Mexico & Spain

A large, colorful umbrella held over a small, vulnerable bird to keep it dry from the rain.

gerundamparando

past Participleamparado

infinitiveamparar

📝 In Action

El muro nos amparó del viento fuerte durante la tormenta.

The wall sheltered us from the strong wind during the storm.

La constitución debe amparar los derechos de todos los ciudadanos.

The constitution must protect the rights of all citizens.

El acusado se amparó en su derecho a no declarar.

The accused relied on his right not to testify.

Word Connections

Synonyms

proteger (to protect)
cobijar (to shelter/house)
guarecer (to shelter/protect)

Antonyms

desamparar (to abandon/leave helpless)
abandonar (to abandon)

Common Collocations

amparar bajo la ley – to protect under the law
ampararse en un derecho – to rely on a right
amparar de la lluvia – to shelter from the rain

Idioms & Expressions

recurso de amparo – A legal appeal to a high court to protect fundamental constitutional rights.

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoamparara

túampararas

él/ella/ustedamparara

nosotrosamparáramos

vosotrosampararais

ellos/ellas/ustedesampararan

Present Subjunctive

yoampare

túampares

él/ella/ustedampare

nosotrosamparemos

vosotrosamparéis

ellos/ellas/ustedesamparen

Indicative

Preterite

yoamparé

túamparaste

él/ella/ustedamparó

nosotrosamparamos

vosotrosamparasteis

ellos/ellas/ustedesampararon

Imperfect

yoamparaba

túamparabas

él/ella/ustedamparaba

nosotrosamparábamos

vosotrosamparabais

ellos/ellas/ustedesamparaban

Present

yoamparo

túamparas

él/ella/ustedampara

nosotrosamparamos

vosotrosamparáis

ellos/ellas/ustedesamparan

View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "amparar" in Spanish:

to protect→to safeguard→to shelter→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: amparar

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence is the best way to say the law protects citizens?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

amparo(protection/shelter) — Noun

desamparar(to abandon) — Verb

desamparado(helpless/homeless) — Adjective

amparador(protector) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

hablar lugar mirar

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'anteparare', which means 'to prepare ahead of time' or 'to defend'. Over time, it came to mean standing in front of someone to keep them safe.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: ampararCatalan: emparar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'amparar' used in casual conversation?

Not usually. You are more likely to hear 'proteger' or 'dar refugio' in a casual chat. 'Amparar' sounds more serious or official.

What is the difference between 'amparar' and 'proteger'?

'Proteger' is general. 'Amparar' specifically implies providing a roof, a safe haven, or a legal shield.

Is 'amparar' a regular verb?

Yes! It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, so it is quite easy to conjugate.