apuñalar
“apuñalar” means “to stab” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to stab
Also: to knife
📝 In Action
El criminal intentó apuñalar al oficial con un trozo de vidrio.
B2The criminal tried to stab the officer with a piece of glass.
Fue apuñalado durante la pelea en el mercado.
B1He was stabbed during the fight at the market.
Tuvieron cuidado de no apuñalar el saco de harina por error.
B2They were careful not to stab the flour sack by mistake.
to backstab
📝 In Action
No puedo creer que me fueras a apuñalar así después de toda mi ayuda.
C1I can't believe you were going to backstab me like that after all my help.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apuñalar
Question 1 of 3
Which noun does 'apuñalar' come from?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'a-' (to/towards) plus 'puñal' (dagger), which comes from 'puño' (fist). It literally means to attack with something held in the fist.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apuñalar' the same as 'cortar'?
No. 'Cortar' means to cut (like a slice), while 'apuñalar' specifically means to thrust or pierce with a pointed weapon.
Is this verb irregular?
No, it is a completely regular '-ar' verb. It follows the same rules as basic verbs like 'hablar'.
Can I use 'apuñalar' for a needle prick?
No, that's too aggressive. For a needle or a small thorn, use 'pinchar'.