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לעצור — meaning in English: to stop

la'atsor · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to stop / to arrest
ולבקש
ulvakesh
לעצור
la'atsor
הרווחת
hirvakht
שיחות
sikhot
העיקרית
haikarit
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 'לעצור' when giving directions, such as telling someone to stop at a crosswalk or during a traffic scenario. It's also frequently used in conversations about halting an action, for example, asking a friend to stop talking when they are being too loud.
Synonyms & nuances
'לעצור' has synonyms like 'הפסיק' (hefsik), which means 'to cease' or 'to stop' but is more formal and often used in a legal or official context. You'd choose 'לעצור' for everyday, casual situations where you want to convey a more immediate or informal command.
Culture
'לעצור' comes from the root עצר, which means to stop or restrain. This word is not just about physical stopping; it can also refer to pausing in a metaphorical sense, such as stopping a conversation or halting a thought. In Israel, you might hear it frequently in public transport announcements, emphasizing safety and control.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'לעצור' in a sentence?
You can say, 'אני צריך לעצור את האוטו' (Ani tsarich la'atsor et ha'auto), which means 'I need to stop the car.' This shows how 'לעצור' is used in practical, everyday contexts.
Q.Is 'לעצור' used in formal writing?
'לעצור' is primarily used in spoken Hebrew and informal writing. For more formal situations, you might encounter 'הפסיק' instead, especially in legal or official texts.
Q.What are common mistakes with 'לעצור'?
A common mistake is confusing 'לעצור' with 'לעזוב' (la'azov), which means 'to leave' or 'to abandon.' Remember, 'לעצור' specifically refers to stopping something that is currently happening.
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