apoderar
“apoderar” means “to empower” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to empowerAlso: to authorize, to grant power of attorney
📝 In Action
Tengo que apoderar a mi abogado para que firme el contrato.
B2I have to authorize my lawyer so he can sign the contract.
La junta decidió apoderar al director para las negociaciones.
C1The board decided to empower the director for the negotiations.
Es necesario apoderar a un representante legal en el extranjero.
C1It is necessary to grant power of attorney to a legal representative abroad.
Word Connections
to take overAlso: to seize, to overcome
📝 In Action
El miedo se apoderó de él durante el examen.
B1Fear took over him during the exam.
Los manifestantes se apoderaron del edificio.
B2The protesters seized the building.
No dejes que el pánico se apodere de la situación.
B2Don't let panic take over the situation.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "apoderar" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apoderar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is correct for 'Fear took over him'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From the Spanish prefix 'a-' (to/towards) combined with 'poder' (power), which comes from the Latin 'posse' (to be able).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apoderar' the same as 'to empower' in English?
Only in a legal sense. If you mean 'giving someone the confidence to succeed,' use the word 'empoderar' instead.
Do I always need to use 'se' with this word?
No. Use 'se' (apoderarse) when something is 'taking over' or 'seizing' something. Use it without 'se' (apoderar) only when you are formally granting legal power to another person.
Can 'apoderarse' be used for positive things?
Usually, it has a slightly overwhelming or aggressive tone (like a thief seizing a building or fear seizing a person), but it can be used for positive feelings like 'joy taking over' if the joy is very intense.