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atemorizar

B1 verb #6,000 most common 12 min read

atemorizar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips atemorizar in 30 Seconds

Explanation atemorizar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely know the word 'miedo' (fear). 'Atemorizar' is a bit advanced for beginners, but you can understand it as a way to say 'to make someone feel fear.' Think of it as 'hacer que alguien tenga miedo.' At this stage, you don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but you might see it in simple stories. Just remember: if something 'atemoriza,' it is scary. It's like a stronger version of 'asustar' (to scare). Focus on seeing the word 'temor' inside 'a-temor-izar' to help you remember that it's related to fear. You will mostly see it in the third person: 'El perro atemoriza al gato' (The dog frightens the cat).

For A2 learners, 'atemorizar' is a useful word to recognize in written texts, especially news or short stories. You should start to notice the structure: 'Subject + atemoriza + a + Person.' Don't forget that 'a'! At this level, you can start using the adjective form 'atemorizado' (frightened) to describe how someone feels. For example: 'El niño está atemorizado' (The boy is frightened). It's more descriptive than just saying 'tiene miedo.' You might also encounter it in the past tense, like 'La tormenta me atemorizó.' It's a great way to add variety to your vocabulary so you don't use the word 'miedo' every time you want to talk about being scared.

At the B1 level, you are expected to start using 'atemorizar' in your own writing and speaking, especially in formal contexts. You should be comfortable with its regular conjugation, but watch out for the spelling change in the 'yo' form of the past tense: 'atemoricé' (with a 'c'). You should also understand the difference between 'asustar' (a sudden scare) and 'atemorizar' (a more serious or lasting fear). This word is very common when talking about social issues, news, or literature. You can use it to describe how a difficult situation, like a job interview or a big change, makes you feel. 'La idea de mudarme a otro país me atemoriza un poco.'

At the B2 level, you should use 'atemorizar' with precision. You understand its nuances compared to 'intimidar' or 'amedrentar.' You can use it in complex sentence structures, including the passive voice ('Fue atemorizado por...') and the subjunctive ('Es terrible que los criminales atemoricen a los vecinos'). You should also be familiar with the reflexive form 'atemorizarse' and the prepositions that follow it, like 'ante' or 'por.' At this level, you can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as how economic instability can 'atemorizar a los mercados.' Your ability to use such a formal and specific verb correctly is a sign of your growing fluency.

For C1 learners, 'atemorizar' is a standard part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You should be able to analyze its use in literature and media, recognizing when an author chooses it over 'asustar' to convey a specific tone of systemic or psychological pressure. You can use it in sophisticated arguments, perhaps discussing how political rhetoric is used to 'atemorizar a la opinión pública.' You should also be aware of related terms like 'amedrentamiento' (the act of frightening/intimidation) and how they function in legal or social contexts. Your use of the word should feel natural, and you should be able to alternate between it and its synonyms to avoid repetition and maintain a high register.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'atemorizar' and its entire word family. You can use it to express the most subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between a fear that is 'atemorizante' (frightening) and one that is 'aterrador' (terrifying). You understand its historical and cultural connotations, such as its use in describing periods of political repression or psychological warfare. You can use the verb in any tense or mood without hesitation, including rare literary forms. You are also capable of identifying and using idiomatic expressions or very formal collocations involving the word, ensuring your Spanish is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

atemorizar in 30 Seconds

Atemorizar means to frighten or intimidate someone, often in a formal or serious context.
It is a transitive verb that requires the personal 'a' when the object is a person.
It is stronger and more persistent than the common verb 'asustar' (to scare).
Commonly found in news, law, and literature to describe threats or psychological fear.

The Spanish verb atemorizar is a sophisticated and evocative term that translates primarily as 'to frighten,' 'to terrify,' or 'to intimidate.' At its linguistic core, the word is built upon the noun temor (fear), combined with the prefix a- and the suffix -izar, which functions similarly to the English '-ize,' meaning 'to cause' or 'to make.' Therefore, to atemorizar someone is literally to cause fear within them. While it shares semantic space with the more common verb asustar, atemorizar carries a heavier, more persistent weight. If someone jumps out from behind a door, they asustan you; if a government uses threats to keep its citizens from speaking out, it atemoriza them. It implies a state of being filled with fear rather than a momentary shock.

Register and Context: This verb is most frequently encountered in formal writing, journalism, literature, and serious discussions regarding psychology or politics. You will hear it on the evening news when reporters describe how a series of crimes has affected a neighborhood, or in a history book explaining how a tyrant maintained control.
Nuance vs. Aterrorizar: While atemorizar is strong, it is slightly less intense than aterrorizar (to terrorize). Aterrorizar implies a paralyzing, extreme terror, whereas atemorizar can range from significant unease to profound dread. It is the go-to word for describing the intentional use of fear as a tool of influence or the natural effect of a looming threat.

El rugido del león en la noche logró atemorizar a los exploradores que acampaban cerca.

Example: The lion's roar in the night managed to terrify the explorers camping nearby.

In daily conversation, a native speaker might use it to describe a boss who is overly strict or a situation that feels overwhelming. For instance, 'La idea de hablar en público me atemoriza' (The idea of public speaking frightens me). Here, it elevates the sentiment beyond a simple scare, suggesting a deeper psychological barrier. It is also common in its reflexive form, atemorizarse, meaning 'to become afraid.' When used reflexively, the focus shifts from the cause of the fear to the person experiencing it. 'Se atemorizó al ver las nubes negras' (He became frightened upon seeing the black clouds).

Las constantes amenazas de despido buscan atemorizar a los empleados para que trabajen más horas.

Psychological Depth: Psychologically, atemorizar describes the process of instilling a sense of vulnerability. In literature, authors use it to build suspense, describing how an atmosphere or a mysterious figure begins to atemorizar the protagonist. It is a verb of agency; it requires an actor (even an abstract one like 'the future') that exerts force upon the emotions of another.

Furthermore, the word is essential in legal and sociopolitical discourse. Laws often reference actions intended to atemorizar witnesses or the public. In these contexts, it is synonymous with 'intimidation.' Understanding this word allows a learner to navigate more complex Spanish texts where emotional manipulation or systemic fear is a theme. It is a bridge between the basic 'fear' vocabulary of A1/A2 and the nuanced descriptive power required at the B2/C1 levels.

No dejes que los desafíos del futuro te atemoricen; tú eres capaz de superarlos.

Using atemorizar correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires a direct object—the person or thing being frightened. In Spanish, when the direct object is a person, we must use the 'personal a.' This is a common stumbling block for English speakers. For example, 'The storm frightens the children' becomes 'La tormenta atemoriza a los niños.' Without that 'a,' the sentence is grammatically incomplete in Spanish.

Transitive Usage: The most common structure is [Subject] + [Verb] + a + [Object]. The subject can be a person, an animal, or an abstract concept like 'uncertainty' or 'the economy.'
Example: 'La crisis económica atemoriza a los inversores.'
Reflexive Usage (Atemorizarse): When the action is directed back at the speaker, or when someone 'gets scared' by something, we use atemorizarse. This is often followed by the preposition ante (in the face of) or por (because of).
Example: 'Me atemoricé ante la magnitud del proyecto.'

El villano de la película intentaba atemorizar a todo el pueblo con sus hechizos.

Conjugation is another area where learners must be careful. Atemorizar is a regular -ar verb, but it undergoes a spelling change in certain forms to preserve the 'th' or 's' sound (depending on your dialect). Specifically, in the Pretérito Indefinido (first person singular) and throughout the Presente de Subjuntivo, the 'z' changes to a 'c' before an 'e'. For example, 'I frightened' is 'Yo atemoricé,' not 'atemorizé.' This is a standard rule for all Spanish verbs ending in -zar.

Espero que las noticias no te atemoricen demasiado; hay que mantener la calma.

In passive constructions, which are common in news reporting, you will see the past participle atemorizado. For example, 'La población civil se encuentra atemorizada por los bombardeos.' Here, the participle acts as an adjective describing the state of the population. This is a very effective way to set a scene in a narrative or to report on the emotional climate of a group. Notice how the adjective agrees in gender and number: atemorizado, atemorizada, atemorizados, atemorizadas.

Common Collocations: 1. Atemorizar a la población (To frighten the population).
2. Atemorizar con amenazas (To frighten with threats).
3. Sentirse atemorizado (To feel frightened).
4. Atemorizar al rival (To intimidate the opponent).

El boxeador intentó atemorizar a su oponente con una mirada fija y desafiante.

Finally, consider the difference between using atemorizar and the causative 'hacer sentir miedo.' While 'hacer sentir miedo' is perfectly correct, atemorizar is much more concise and professional. Using it shows a higher command of the Spanish language, especially in academic or professional settings where precision is valued over colloquialisms.

To truly master atemorizar, you need to recognize its natural habitats. This isn't usually a word you'll shout on a playground, but it is one you will encounter frequently in Spanish-language media, literature, and formal oratory. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its specific 'flavor'—one of seriousness and weight.

In Journalism and News: Journalists love atemorizar because it describes the impact of events on a community. You might see headlines like: 'Bandas criminales buscan atemorizar a los comerciantes del centro.' This suggests a systematic attempt to instill fear for the purpose of extortion. It provides a more analytical tone than saying they are simply 'scaring' people.
In Classic and Modern Literature: Authors use this verb to describe the atmosphere of a scene or the internal state of a character. In a Gothic novel, a haunted house might atemorizar any visitor. In a political thriller, the reach of a secret police force might atemorizar the entire nation. It is a word that builds tension and describes the psychological toll of fear.

Durante la dictadura, cualquier crítica al régimen era suficiente para atemorizar a las familias más humildes.

Context: Historical discussion regarding political repression.

In the world of sports, you might hear commentators say that a particularly aggressive team or player is trying to atemorizar their rivals. This doesn't mean they are literally trying to make them scream in terror, but rather that they are trying to break their confidence and make them play with hesitation. 'El portero intentó atemorizar al delantero antes del penalti' (The goalkeeper tried to intimidate the striker before the penalty kick).

Movie dubbing and subtitles are another great place to find this word. In a horror movie or a thriller, when a character says 'Don't let him scare you,' the Spanish translation might use 'No dejes que te atemorice' if the threat is grave. It sounds more menacing than 'No dejes que te asuste.' It implies that the fear could take root and change the person's behavior.

La inmensidad del océano puede atemorizar a quienes no están acostumbrados a navegar.

In Legal and Formal Documents: In legal proceedings, 'coacción' (coercion) often involves the intent to atemorizar. You might read about 'conductas destinadas a atemorizar a la víctima.' This formal usage underscores the verb's association with power dynamics and intentionality.

Finally, in self-help or motivational contexts, you'll hear it used to describe overcoming internal obstacles. Speakers might say, 'No permitas que el miedo al fracaso te atemorice' (Don't let the fear of failure terrify you). In this sense, atemorizar represents the internal resistance that prevents personal growth. By using such a strong word, the speaker emphasizes the importance of courage.

Learning atemorizar comes with a few pitfalls that can trip up even intermediate students. Because it is a more formal and specific word than asustar, its usage requires a bit more precision in both grammar and context.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Personal 'A': This is the most common error. Because 'frighten' in English doesn't require a preposition, students often say 'La película atemoriza los niños.' In Spanish, you must say 'La película atemoriza a los niños.' The 'a' is mandatory whenever the object is a specific person or group of people.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Asustar': While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. If you use atemorizar for a quick jump-scare (like 'Boo!'), it sounds unnaturally formal and slightly 'off.' Save atemorizar for situations involving threats, intimidation, or deep-seated fear. Use asustar for the sudden, physical reaction to a surprise.

Incorrecto: Me atemorizó cuando gritaste '¡Sorpresa!'.
Correcto: Me asusté cuando gritaste '¡Sorpresa!'.

Another common mistake involves the reflexive form. Students sometimes say 'Me atemorizo de la oscuridad.' While 'de' is used with many emotional verbs, with atemorizarse, the more natural prepositions are por or ante. 'Me atemorizo ante la oscuridad' (I become frightened in the face of darkness) sounds much more native.

No permitas que la complejidad del idioma te atemorice; cada error es una oportunidad de aprendizaje.

There's also the issue of intensity. Sometimes learners use atemorizar when they actually mean preocupar (to worry). If you say 'Me atemoriza no llegar a tiempo al cine,' it sounds like you are terrified of being late, which is likely an exaggeration. Use me preocupa for worries and me atemoriza for genuine fears or threats.

Mistake 3: Misplacing the Direct Object Pronoun: When using pronouns (me, te, lo, la, nos, os, los, las), they must go before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive.
Correct: 'Eso la atemoriza.' (That frightens her.)
Correct: 'Eso puede atemorizarla.'
Incorrect: 'Eso atemoriza la.'

Lastly, be careful with the word atemorizante. While it is a valid adjective (frightening), many students use it where aterrador or espantoso might be more common or impactful. 'Una película atemorizante' is correct, but 'una película aterradora' is what most natives would say if they were truly scared.

To expand your vocabulary beyond atemorizar, it's helpful to look at its synonyms and related verbs. Each has a slightly different nuance, and choosing the right one can make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Asustar: The most common and versatile word for 'to scare.' It is used for everything from a sudden noise to a scary movie. It is less formal than atemorizar and usually implies a shorter-lived reaction.
Intimidar: Very close to atemorizar, but focuses more on making someone feel small, weak, or hesitant. It is often used in social or competitive contexts. 'Su presencia intimidaba a los demás.'
Aterrorizar: A stronger version of atemorizar. It means to fill someone with absolute terror. Use this for truly horrific or life-threatening situations.
Amedrentar: This is a very formal synonym that specifically implies trying to discourage someone from doing something by using fear. It's often used in legal and journalistic contexts regarding threats or coercion.

Mientras que un trueno nos puede asustar por un segundo, una amenaza constante puede atemorizar a toda una familia durante meses.

There are also more colorful or colloquial alternatives. In some regions, you might hear dar miedo or dar pavor. For example, 'Ese perro me da miedo' instead of 'Ese perro me atemoriza.' The latter sounds like something a character in a novel would say, while the former is what you'd say to a friend.

In literary contexts, you might find espantar (to spook or scare away) or acobardar (to make someone feel like a coward/lose heart). Acobardar is particularly useful when describing someone losing their nerve. 'No dejes que las dificultades te acobarden.'

El objetivo del interrogatorio no era solo obtener información, sino amedrentar al sospechoso.

When choosing between these, consider the source and the duration of the fear. If the fear is meant to control or silence someone, atemorizar or amedrentar are your best bets. If the fear is an uncontrollable reaction to something scary, asustar or aterrorizar fit better. By mastering these distinctions, you move from simply 'speaking Spanish' to 'communicating with nuance.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-izar' is one of the most productive in Spanish for creating verbs from nouns or adjectives, similar to '-ize' in English (e.g., organize, realize).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.te.mo.ɾiˈθaɾ/

US /a.te.mo.ɾiˈsaɾ/

The stress is on the final syllable '-zar' because it ends in 'r'.

Rhymes With

finalizar organizar realizar alcanzar avanzar empezar gozar cruzar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'z' like an English 'z' (buzz). In Spanish, it's either 's' or 'th'.
Stress on the wrong syllable. Remember: atemorizAR.
Forgetting to tap the 'r' at the end.
Pronouncing the 'e' like 'ay' (ay-tay-mo-ree-zar). It should be a short 'eh' sound.
Missing the 'o' sound in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but easy to recognize if you know 'temor'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'z' to 'c' spelling change and the personal 'a'.

Speaking 4/5

A bit formal for casual speech; choosing it over 'asustar' requires nuance.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'aterrorizar' if heard quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

miedo temor asustar peligro amenaza

Learn Next

aterrorizar amedrentar intimidar pavor espantoso

Advanced

coacción disuasión pánico fobia angustia

Grammar to Know

Personal 'a'

Atemorizar **a** los niños.

Z to C spelling change

Yo atemori**c**é (Preterite).

Reflexive pronouns

Ellos **se** atemorizan.

Subjunctive after doubt

Dudo que eso lo **atemorice**.

Infinitive after prepositions

Sin **atemorizar** a nadie.

Examples by Level

El perro grande atemoriza al gato pequeño.

The big dog frightens the small cat.

Notice the 'a' before 'el gato'.

La oscuridad atemoriza a muchos niños.

Darkness frightens many children.

Personal 'a' is used for 'muchos niños'.

¿Te atemoriza el ruido?

Does the noise frighten you?

Question form using the direct object pronoun 'te'.

El monstruo no me atemoriza.

The monster does not frighten me.

Negative sentence structure.

Ellos atemorizan a sus amigos con bromas.

They frighten their friends with jokes.

Plural subject 'ellos'.

El trueno atemoriza a mi abuela.

Thunder frightens my grandmother.

Personal 'a' before 'mi abuela'.

Las películas de terror me atemorizan.

Horror movies frighten me.

The subject 'las películas' is plural.

Ese hombre alto atemoriza a la gente.

That tall man frightens people.

Personal 'a' before 'la gente'.

El niño está atemorizado por la tormenta.

The boy is frightened by the storm.

Using the past participle 'atemorizado' as an adjective.

No quiero atemorizarte con mis historias.

I don't want to frighten you with my stories.

Pronoun 'te' attached to the infinitive.

Las noticias de ayer atemorizaron a la ciudad.

Yesterday's news frightened the city.

Preterite tense (past action).

Él se atemorizó cuando vio el fuego.

He became frightened when he saw the fire.

Reflexive form 'se atemorizó'.

La maestra no atemoriza a los estudiantes.

The teacher does not frighten the students.

Present tense, third person singular.

Mis padres se atemorizan si no llego a tiempo.

My parents get frightened if I don't arrive on time.

Reflexive plural 'se atemorizan'.

El examen difícil atemorizó a toda la clase.

The difficult exam frightened the whole class.

Preterite tense with 'a toda la clase'.

Ella siempre se atemoriza ante los perros grandes.

She always gets frightened in the face of big dogs.

Reflexive with the preposition 'ante'.

Yo atemoricé al ladrón con un grito fuerte.

I frightened the thief with a loud shout.

Spelling change 'z' to 'c' in 'atemoricé'.

Es posible que la situación te atemorice un poco.

It's possible that the situation frightens you a bit.

Present subjunctive 'atemorice'.

El jefe busca atemorizar a los empleados para que trabajen más.

The boss seeks to frighten the employees so they work more.

Infinitive used after the verb 'buscar'.

No dejes que los problemas económicos te atemoricen.

Don't let economic problems frighten you.

Negative imperative (subjunctive).

Me atemoricé al pensar en el futuro de la empresa.

I became frightened when thinking about the company's future.

Reflexive preterite with 'al' + infinitive.

La película era tan real que atemorizó a todo el público.

The movie was so real that it frightened the whole audience.

Preterite tense.

Los cambios constantes en la ley suelen atemorizar a los ciudadanos.

Constant changes in the law usually frighten citizens.

Verb 'soler' + infinitive.

Si me atemoricé, fue solo por un momento.

If I got frightened, it was only for a moment.

Conditional sentence with 'si'.

La retórica del político parece estar diseñada para atemorizar a las minorías.

The politician's rhetoric seems to be designed to frighten minorities.

Passive-like construction 'diseñada para'.

No creo que esa pequeña amenaza logre atemorizar a un hombre como él.

I don't think that small threat will manage to frighten a man like him.

Subjunctive 'logre' after 'no creo que'.

Se atemorizaron ante la posibilidad de perder sus ahorros.

They became frightened at the possibility of losing their savings.

Reflexive plural 'se atemorizaron' followed by 'ante'.

El clima de violencia ha atemorizado a los inversores extranjeros.

The climate of violence has frightened foreign investors.

Present perfect tense.

Atemorizar a un testigo es un delito grave en este país.

Frightening a witness is a serious crime in this country.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

Dudo que las sanciones atemoricen al régimen dictatorial.

I doubt the sanctions will frighten the dictatorial regime.

Subjunctive 'atemoricen' after 'dudo que'.

La inmensidad del desierto puede atemorizar a cualquier viajero solitario.

The vastness of the desert can frighten any lone traveler.

Modal verb 'puede' + infinitive.

A medida que avanzaba la noche, el silencio comenzó a atemorizarla.

As the night progressed, the silence began to frighten her.

Pronoun 'la' attached to the infinitive.

La estrategia del fiscal era atemorizar al acusado para que confesara el crimen.

The prosecutor's strategy was to frighten the accused into confessing the crime.

Imperfect tense 'era' + infinitive.

Resulta alarmante cómo los discursos de odio pueden atemorizar a sectores enteros de la sociedad.

It is alarming how hate speech can frighten entire sectors of society.

Complex sentence with 'resulta' and 'cómo'.

A pesar de su valentía, la magnitud del desastre natural terminó por atemorizarlo.

Despite his bravery, the magnitude of the natural disaster ended up frightening him.

Periphrasis 'terminó por' + infinitive.

Las sombras que se proyectaban en la pared parecían atemorizar a los prisioneros.

The shadows projected on the wall seemed to frighten the prisoners.

Imperfect tense 'parecían'.

No debemos permitir que el miedo al fracaso nos atemorice y nos impida actuar.

We must not allow the fear of failure to frighten us and prevent us from acting.

Subjunctive 'atemorice' after 'permitir que'.

Su mirada gélida y penetrante era suficiente para atemorizar a cualquiera.

His cold and piercing gaze was enough to frighten anyone.

Adjectives 'gélida' and 'penetrante'.

La incertidumbre política ha logrado atemorizar incluso a los ciudadanos más optimistas.

Political uncertainty has managed to frighten even the most optimistic citizens.

Present perfect 'ha logrado'.

El autor utiliza el ambiente lúgubre para atemorizar al lector desde la primera página.

The author uses the gloomy atmosphere to frighten the reader from the first page.

Literary analysis context.

El uso sistemático de la tortura buscaba atemorizar a cualquier atisbo de disidencia.

The systematic use of torture sought to frighten any glimmer of dissent.

Formal vocabulary: 'sistemático', 'atisbo', 'disidencia'.

La volatilidad de los mercados financieros atemoriza a quienes buscan estabilidad a largo plazo.

The volatility of financial markets frightens those seeking long-term stability.

Economic context with the relative pronoun 'quienes'.

Es imperativo que no nos dejemos atemorizar por la retórica belicista de las potencias extranjeras.

It is imperative that we do not let ourselves be frightened by the warmongering rhetoric of foreign powers.

Subjunctive 'dejemos' in a formal exhortation.

La inmensidad del cosmos puede atemorizar al ser humano al recordarle su propia insignificancia.

The immensity of the cosmos can frighten human beings by reminding them of their own insignificance.

Philosophical context with 'al recordarle'.

El régimen intentó atemorizar a la población civil mediante ejecuciones públicas ejemplarizantes.

The regime tried to frighten the civilian population through exemplary public executions.

Formal prepositional phrase 'mediante'.

La profundidad de su conocimiento sobre el tema atemorizaba a sus colegas menos experimentados.

The depth of his knowledge on the subject frightened his less experienced colleagues.

Metaphorical use of 'atemorizar'.

Ninguna amenaza, por grave que sea, logrará atemorizar a un pueblo decidido a ser libre.

No threat, however serious it may be, will manage to frighten a people determined to be free.

Concessive clause 'por grave que sea'.

El vacío existencial que describe la novela puede atemorizar al lector más desprevenido.

The existential void described in the novel can frighten the most unsuspecting reader.

Abstract literary context.

Common Collocations

atemorizar a la población

sentirse atemorizado

atemorizar con amenazas

atemorizar al rival

estar atemorizado

no dejarse atemorizar

atemorizar a los testigos

mirada que atemoriza

atemorizar a los mercados

lograr atemorizar

Common Phrases

Sin atemorizarse

— Doing something without becoming afraid. Used to describe bravery.

Entró al edificio en llamas sin atemorizarse.

Atemorizar a muerte

— To frighten someone extremely (colloquial exaggeration).

Esa película me atemorizó a muerte.

Nada me atemoriza

— A statement of fearlessness.

Soy un hombre valiente, nada me atemoriza.

Atemorizado por completo

— Completely terrified.

El perro estaba atemorizado por completo tras los fuegos artificiales.

Para atemorizar

— With the intent to frighten.

Hizo ese ruido solo para atemorizar a su hermano.

Vivir atemorizado

— To live in a constant state of fear.

Nadie debería vivir atemorizado en su propio barrio.

Fácil de atemorizar

— Someone who gets scared easily.

Él es muy sensible y fácil de atemorizar.

Intentar atemorizar

— To try to frighten or intimidate.

No intentes atemorizarme, no funcionará.

Atemorizar a la opinión pública

— To frighten the general public (often via media).

Ciertos medios buscan atemorizar a la opinión pública.

Sentirse atemorizado ante lo desconocido

— To feel frightened in the face of the unknown.

Es natural sentirse atemorizado ante lo desconocido.

Often Confused With

atemorizar vs asustar

Asustar is for quick, sudden scares. Atemorizar is for deeper, lasting fear.

atemorizar vs aterrorizar

Aterrorizar is much more intense (to terrorize).

atemorizar vs intimidar

Intimidar focuses on making someone feel inferior or hesitant, while atemorizar is about the fear itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"Poner los pelos de punta"

— To make someone's hair stand on end; to terrify.

Esa historia me puso los pelos de punta.

informal

"Helar la sangre"

— To make someone's blood run cold; to frighten deeply.

Su grito me heló la sangre.

literary

"Temblar como un flan"

— To shake like a leaf/jelly; to be very afraid.

Antes del examen, estaba temblando como un flan.

informal

"No llegarle la camisa al cuerpo"

— To be extremely frightened or anxious.

Cuando vio al oso, no le llegaba la camisa al cuerpo.

idiomatic

"Cagarse de miedo"

— To be scared shitless (very vulgar).

Se cagó de miedo cuando vio la policía.

vulgar

"Hacerse pipí de miedo"

— To pee oneself with fear.

El niño casi se hace pipí de miedo con el trueno.

informal/childish

"Tener el corazón en un puño"

— To have one's heart in one's mouth; to be very worried or afraid.

Vivíamos con el corazón en un puño por la guerra.

idiomatic

"Darse un susto de muerte"

— To be scared to death.

Me diste un susto de muerte al aparecer así.

neutral

"Estar muerto de miedo"

— To be dying of fear.

Estaba muerta de miedo en la casa abandonada.

neutral

"No tenerlas todas consigo"

— To be suspicious or afraid that something might go wrong.

Entró en el callejón, pero no las tenía todas consigo.

idiomatic

Easily Confused

atemorizar vs Atemorizar

Often confused with 'aterrorizar' due to similar sound.

Atemorizar is to frighten; aterrorizar is to terrorize (much stronger).

La película me atemorizó (I was scared). El ataque me aterrorizó (I was in terror).

atemorizar vs Asustar

Both mean 'to scare'.

Asustar is common and for surprises. Atemorizar is formal and for persistent fear.

¡Bú! Te asusté. Las amenazas me atemorizan.

atemorizar vs Amedrentar

Very similar meaning.

Amedrentar implies a specific intent to discourage or bully someone.

El matón intentó amedrentar al niño para quitarle el dinero.

atemorizar vs Acobardar

Both involve fear.

Acobardar specifically means making someone lose their courage (making them a 'cobarde').

La magnitud del reto lo acobardó y no quiso participar.

atemorizar vs Espantar

Often used as a synonym for scare.

Espantar often carries the sense of 'driving away' or 'shooing' through fear.

Espantó a las moscas con la mano.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] atemoriza a [Person].

El perro atemoriza a Juan.

[Person] está atemorizado.

María está atemorizada.

No quiero que [Subject] me atemorice.

No quiero que el examen me atemorice.

[Subject] se atemorizó ante [Situation].

Él se atemorizó ante el peligro.

Al [Infinitive], [Subject] logró atemorizar a...

Al gritar, el hombre logró atemorizar a los pájaros.

Fue [Participle] con el fin de atemorizar...

Fue dicho con el fin de atemorizar a la prensa.

Por mucho que [Subjunctive], no logrará atemorizarme.

Por mucho que grite, no logrará atemorizarme.

Resulta [Adjective] cómo [Subject] atemoriza...

Resulta fascinante cómo esa música atemoriza al oyente.

Word Family

Nouns

temor (fear)

atemorizamiento (the act of frightening - rare)

amedrentamiento (intimidation)

Verbs

temer (to fear)

asustar (to scare)

aterrorizar (to terrify)

Adjectives

temeroso (fearful)

atemorizado (frightened)

atemorizante (frightening)

miedo

pánico

pavor

susto

alarma

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Spanish, moderately common in serious spoken Spanish.

Common Mistakes

La película atemoriza los niños. → La película atemoriza a los niños.
You must use the personal 'a' when the direct object is a person.
Yo atemorizé a mi hermano. → Yo atemoricé a mi hermano.
Verbs ending in -zar change 'z' to 'c' before 'e'.
Me atemorizó cuando saltaste. → Me asusté cuando saltaste.
Atemorizar is too formal for a quick jump-scare; use asustar.
Ella se atemoriza de los perros. → Ella se atemoriza ante los perros.
The preposition 'ante' or 'por' is more natural than 'de' with this verb.
Espero que no te atemorizas. → Espero que no te atemorices.
After 'espero que', you must use the subjunctive mood.

Tips

The Personal 'A'

Never forget the 'a' when frightening a person. 'Atemorizar a alguien' is the standard rule.

Z to C

In the preterite 'yo' form and all present subjunctive forms, change the 'z' to 'c'. Example: 'atemoricé', 'atemoricen'.

Formal Use

Use 'atemorizar' in work emails or academic papers to sound more professional than 'asustar'.

Word Family

Connect it to 'temor'. If you know 'temor' (fear), you will never forget 'atemorizar'.

Duration

Think of 'atemorizar' as a long-term fear and 'asustar' as a short-term shock.

Final Stress

The stress is always on the last syllable: a-te-mo-ri-ZAR.

News Clues

When you see this word in a headline, look for who is doing the frightening—it's usually a source of power or a threat.

Theta vs. S

Be ready to hear it with a 'th' sound in Spain and an 's' sound in the Americas.

Adjective Use

Use 'atemorizado' as an adjective to describe a character's state of mind in a story.

Amedrentar

If someone is bullying or using threats, 'amedrentar' is a more specific and powerful synonym.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-TEMOR-IZAR'. 'Temor' is fear. 'A-' is 'to'. '-Izar' is 'make'. So, 'To make fear'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant shadow (the verb) looming over a small, shaking person (the object).

Word Web

temor miedo asustar atemorizar aterrorizar intimidar amedrentar acobardar

Challenge

Try to use 'atemorizar' in a sentence about a historical event and another about a personal fear.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish noun 'temor' (fear), which comes from the Latin 'timor'.

Original meaning: To cause fear.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it to describe people's reactions to sensitive social issues; it implies a very strong emotional response.

Similar to 'terrify' or 'intimidate,' but slightly more common in news reporting than 'terrify' is in English.

Used in historical descriptions of the Spanish Inquisition. Common in the subtitles of horror classics like 'El Resplandor' (The Shining). Frequently appears in news coverage of 'La Violencia' in Colombia.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News/Politics

Atemorizar a la población
Campaña para atemorizar
No dejarse atemorizar
Amenazas para atemorizar

Literature/Storytelling

El ambiente atemorizaba
Una voz que atemoriza
Atemorizado por la sombra
Buscaba atemorizar al lector

Personal Feelings

Me atemoriza pensar que...
Me siento atemorizado
No te atemorices
Me atemoriza el futuro

Legal/Crime

Atemorizar a los testigos
Delito de atemorizar
Conducta para atemorizar
Fue atemorizado físicamente

Sports

Atemorizar a la defensa
El portero atemoriza
Juego para atemorizar
Rival atemorizado

Conversation Starters

"¿Hay alguna película que realmente te haya logrado atemorizar?"

"¿Crees que los medios de comunicación intentan atemorizar a la gente?"

"¿Qué es lo que más te atemoriza de vivir en una ciudad grande?"

"¿Alguna vez un profesor intentó atemorizar a tu clase?"

"¿Cómo reaccionas cuando algo intenta atemorizarte?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que te sentiste atemorizado pero lograste superar el miedo.

Escribe sobre un personaje de un libro que use el miedo para atemorizar a otros.

¿Crees que es ético usar el miedo para atemorizar a las personas por su propio bien (ej. campañas de salud)?

Reflexiona sobre cómo la incertidumbre del futuro puede atemorizar a nuestra generación.

Escribe un cuento corto donde el ambiente de una casa antigua atemorice al protagonista.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is less common than 'asustar'. In daily life, people usually say 'me da miedo' or 'me asusta'. However, you will hear 'atemorizar' in serious discussions, news, or when someone wants to be precise about a deep fear.

They are very similar. 'Intimidar' often implies that the person feels small or loses confidence because of someone else's presence or power. 'Atemorizar' is more about the feeling of fear itself, regardless of whether it makes you feel 'small'.

It is 'yo atemoricé'. Notice the 'c' instead of 'z'. This happens because in Spanish, 'z' usually changes to 'c' before the letter 'e'.

It sounds a bit too formal for that. If you jump out and scare a friend, 'asustar' is the better word. 'Atemorizar' is for things like threats, dark forests, or scary futures.

Yes, it is an adjective meaning 'frightening'. For example: 'Es una situación atemorizante'. However, 'aterrador' is often more common.

Yes, if the object is a person or a pet. 'Atemorizar a mi hermano'. If the object is not a person, you don't need it: 'La crisis atemoriza los mercados' (though 'a los mercados' is also common in figurative use).

The reflexive form is 'atemorizarse', which means 'to become frightened'. Example: 'Él se atemorizó al ver la sangre'.

Generally, no. It is almost always negative as it involves fear. However, you might use it metaphorically to describe being 'awed' by something massive, but 'impresionar' would be better.

With the reflexive 'atemorizarse', we usually use 'por' (because of) or 'ante' (in the face of). 'De' is rarely used with this specific verb.

It is considered a B1 level word. It's part of the transition from basic vocabulary to more nuanced, descriptive Spanish.