incoar

to initiate (legal proceedings)

verb een-koh-AHR Rare

Origin: Latin incohare (to begin).

Usage Note

Incoar is a technical legal verb used almost exclusively in formal and administrative contexts; it means to formally open or initiate an official proceeding, complaint, or dossier. You incoar un expediente ('open a file/case') or incoar diligencias ('commence proceedings'). It is never used in casual speech — the everyday equivalents are iniciar or abrir.

Examples

"El juez decidió incoar el expediente disciplinario."

Natural Translation

The judge decided to initiate the disciplinary proceedings.

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