aplastar
“aplastar” means “to crush” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to crush
Also: to flatten, to squash
📝 In Action
Tienes que aplastar los ajos para la salsa.
A2You have to crush the garlic for the sauce.
Cuidado, vas a aplastar la caja de cartón.
B1Careful, you're going to squash the cardboard box.
El coche aplastó la lata de refresco.
A2The car flattened the soda can.
to crush
Also: to trounce, to overwhelm
📝 In Action
Nuestro equipo aplastó al rival en la final.
B1Our team crushed the rival in the final.
La evidencia aplastó los argumentos de la defensa.
B2The evidence crushed the defense's arguments.
El candidato aplastó a sus oponentes en las elecciones.
B1The candidate trounced his opponents in the elections.
to weigh down
Also: to devastate, to overwhelm
📝 In Action
El calor de la ciudad me está aplastando.
B2The city heat is weighing me down.
Se sentía aplastado por la tristeza.
C1He felt devastated (crushed) by sadness.
La responsabilidad de su nuevo cargo lo aplasta.
B2The responsibility of his new position overwhelms him.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "aplastar" in Spanish:
to crush→to devastate→to flatten→to overwhelm→to squash→to trounce→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: aplastar
Question 1 of 3
If you are cooking and need to 'aplastar' the potatoes, what are you doing?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the prefix 'a-' (to/towards) and 'plasta', which refers to a soft, thick mass. The root is related to the idea of molding or turning something into a flat lump.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'aplastar' only apply to bugs?
No! While it's common for bugs, you can 'aplastar' dough when baking, garlic when cooking, or even your clothes if you pack a suitcase too full.
What is the difference between 'aplastar' and 'romper'?
'Romper' means to break something into pieces. 'Aplastar' specifically means to flatten or press something down, though the item might break as a result.
Is 'aplastar' a slang word?
No, it is a standard Spanish word. However, using it to mean 'to defeat someone' is more common in casual conversation or sports commentary.