aplastar
verbCEFR B2
What does “aplastar” mean in English?
1.to crush, to suppress
to crush, to suppress (to forcefully put down a revolt or opposition; aplastó la resistencia)
2.to crush, to overwhelm emotionally
to crush, to overwhelm emotionally (figurative — sentirse aplastado por el peso de / las responsabilidades)
Example sentences
El gobierno aplastó la revuelta con una rapidez que sorprendió a los observadores internacionales.
The government crushed the revolt with a speed that surprised international observers.
El equipo local aplastó al rival con un contundente cuatro a cero que lo dejó sin opciones.
The home team crushed its opponent with a decisive four-nil that left them with no options.
Las fuerzas armadas aplastaron la resistencia en cuestión de días, estableciendo control total sobre la región.
The armed forces crushed the resistance in a matter of days, establishing total control over the region.
How to use it
Aplastar in the political/social sense means 'to crush' or 'to quash' — overwhelmingly defeating or suppressing opposition, resistance, or rivals. Takes a direct object: aplastar la revuelta / al rival. This is the non-reflexive, transitive form focused on applying crushing force from outside.
Common mistake
Aplastar is transitive and takes a direct object without reflexive se in this sense. With personal objects, the personal a is required: aplastar al rival (not *aplastar el rival). Don't use aplastar for gradual suppression — it implies decisive, total force. Sofocar (stifle) and suprimir (suppress) are softer alternatives.