atentado
“atentado” means “attack” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
attack
Also: attempt
📝 In Action
La policía detuvo a los responsables del atentado.
B1The police arrested those responsible for the attack.
Hubo un atentado fallido contra el embajador.
B2There was a failed attempt on the ambassador's life.
El país conmemora a las víctimas del atentado.
C1The country commemorates the victims of the attack.
offense
Also: infringement, crime against
📝 In Action
Esa ley es un atentado contra la libertad de prensa.
C1That law is an offense against freedom of the press.
Su propuesta es un atentado a la lógica.
C1His proposal is an outrage to logic.
Llevar sandalias con calcetines es un atentado al buen gusto.
B2Wearing sandals with socks is a crime against good taste.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: atentado
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is a correct use of 'atentado'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'attentatum', which means 'something attempted'. It is the past participle of the verb 'attentare' (to try or test).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'atentado' always about bombs or terrorism?
While it's very common in that context, it can also refer to any assassination attempt or a figurative 'attack' on principles or laws.
What is the difference between 'ataque' and 'atentado'?
An 'ataque' can be any sudden act of aggression (like a lion attacking). An 'atentado' usually implies a planned, often political or criminal, attempt to cause harm or violate a rule.
How do you say 'to carry out an attack'?
The most natural way is using the verb 'perpetrar' or 'cometer', as in 'cometer un atentado'.