tranquilizar
verbCEFR B2
What does “tranquilizar” mean in English?
to reassure, to calm
to reassure, to calm (tranquilizar a alguien — restore calm after worry; tranquilizarse — calm down)
Example sentences
El portavoz trató de tranquilizar a la población garantizando que la situación estaba bajo control.
The spokesperson tried to reassure the public by guaranteeing that the situation was under control.
Sus palabras me tranquilizaron: al fin pude dejar de preocuparme por el resultado.
His words reassured me: I was finally able to stop worrying about the outcome.
How to use it
Tranquilizar means 'to reassure' or 'to calm down'. Structure: tranquilizar a alguien (reassure someone); tranquilizarse (calm down — reflexive). Collocations: tranquilizar los ánimos, tranquilizar a la población. More focused on restoring calm after worry than calmar (calm — wider use).
Common mistake
Tranquilizar (reassure/calm after anxiety) vs. calmar (calm — wider: calm down a pain, a situation, a person). Tranquilizar specifically addresses worry or fear; calmar is broader.