Also means
to tighten
Usage Note
Apretar is a stem-changing verb (e→ie): aprieto, aprietas, aprieta. It covers squeezing (a hand), tightening (a screw), pressing (a button), and even 'cramming' people into a space. The noun apretón means a squeeze or a firm handshake (un apretón de manos). Apretar el cinturón ('to tighten one's belt') is a common idiom for cutting expenses.
Examples
"Aprieta el botón para encender la luz."
Natural Translation
Press the button to turn on the light.
Related Words
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