ahorcar

to hang; to execute by hanging

verb ah-ohr-KAHR Rare

Origin: From Old Spanish aforcar, from Latin furca 'fork, gallows'.

Usage Note

Ahorcar means to kill by hanging and is the standard term for execution by gallows. The reflexive ahorcarse means to hang oneself. In informal speech, ahorcarse can also mean to tie a knot tightly (as in a tie around one's neck — me está ahorcando esta corbata). Note the spelling change: ahorca but ahorqué (c→qu before e).

Examples

"El verdugo fue condenado por ahorcar al prisionero."

Natural Translation

The executioner was condemned for hanging the prisoner.

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