enfermar
“enfermar” means “to fall ill” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to fall ill
Also: to get sick
📝 In Action
Él suele enfermar cuando llega el invierno.
A2He usually falls ill when winter arrives.
Si no comes bien, podrías enfermar.
B1If you don't eat well, you could get sick.
Muchos ciudadanos enfermaron por la contaminación del agua.
B2Many citizens fell ill due to water contamination.
to sicken
Also: to make ill
📝 In Action
Tu actitud me enferma.
B2Your attitude sickens me.
La falta de higiene en ese local puede enfermar a los clientes.
C1The lack of hygiene in that place can make customers sick.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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Words that translate to "enfermar" in Spanish:
to sicken→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: enfermar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'He gets sick every winter'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'infirmare', which comes from 'in-' (not) and 'firmus' (strong or stable). Literally, it means to become 'not strong'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'enfermar' and 'enfermarse'?
There is very little difference in meaning. 'Enfermarse' is more common in spoken Spanish, especially in Latin America, and emphasizes the process of starting to feel sick. 'Enfermar' is slightly more formal.
Can 'enfermar' mean 'to sicken' someone else?
Yes, it can be used to say that something (like bad food or a bad attitude) makes another person sick.
Is 'enfermar' a regular verb?
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar.