arrebatar
“arrebatar” means “to snatch” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to snatch
Also: to grab, to take by force
📝 In Action
El ladrón le arrebató el bolso en plena calle.
B1The thief snatched her purse in the middle of the street.
No dejes que te arrebaten tus sueños.
B2Don't let them take your dreams away from you.
Le arrebató el juguete a su hermano menor.
A2He grabbed the toy away from his younger brother.
to captivate
Also: to thrill, to entrance
📝 In Action
Su voz arrebató a todo el público.
B2Her voice captivated the entire audience.
Me arrebató la belleza del atardecer.
B2The beauty of the sunset entranced me.
Es una obra que arrebata los sentidos.
C1It is a work that thrills the senses.
to scorch
Also: to overcook
📝 In Action
No pongas el fuego tan alto o la carne se va a arrebatar.
C1Don't turn the heat up so high or the meat will scorch on the outside.
El guiso se arrebató y quedó crudo por dentro.
C1The stew cooked too fast and stayed raw on the inside.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "arrebatar" in Spanish:
to captivate→to entrance→to grab→to overcook→to scorch→to snatch→to thrill→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: arrebatar
Question 1 of 3
If someone takes your phone aggressively from your hand, they...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From 'rebato' (sudden attack), which comes from Arabic 'ribāṭ' (military post). It evolved to mean any sudden, forceful action.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'arrebatar' always negative?
Not necessarily. While it often refers to stealing or snatching, it can also be used positively to describe something so beautiful it 'takes your breath away' or captivates you.
What is the difference between 'quitar' and 'arrebatar'?
'Quitar' is a general word for 'to take away.' 'Arrebatar' is much more intense, implying speed, violence, or a sudden movement.
How do I use it for my feelings?
You can say 'me arrebata' followed by the thing you love, like 'Me arrebata esa canción' (That song thrills me).