How to Say "to plague" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to plague” is “atormentar” — use 'atormentar' when referring to continuously harassing or pestering a person with something, like questions or demands.
Use 'atormentar' when referring to continuously harassing or pestering a person with something, like questions or demands.
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Use 'azotar' when describing how an unpleasant event or condition, like a drought or disease, severely affects a place or a population.
Learn more →ah-tor-men-TARatormenˈtar
Examples
Los periodistas atormentaron al actor con preguntas sobre su divorcio.
The journalists plagued the actor with questions about his divorce.
Deja de atormentar a tu hermano con ese juguete.
Stop pestering your brother with that toy.
Who receives the action?
Since this involves doing something to a person, you usually need to use 'a' before the person's name. Example: 'Atormentan a los vecinos'.
ah-so-TARasoˈtaɾ
Examples
La sequía azotó la región durante meses.
The drought devastated the region for months.
El desempleo azota a los barrios más pobres.
Unemployment plagues the poorest neighborhoods.
Varias epidemias azotaron a la población en el siglo XIX.
Several epidemics hit the population hard in the 19th century.
Abstract Subjects
This meaning uses abstract concepts (like 'hunger' or 'crisis') as the subject that performs the 'hitting' on a place or group.
Person vs. Place
The most common mistake is using 'atormentar' for a place or situation, or 'azotar' for a person. Remember, 'atormentar' is for bothering individuals, while 'azotar' describes a widespread negative impact on a location.
Related Translations
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