precintar

to seal

verb preh-sin-TAHR Rare

Also means

to tape off

Usage Note

Precintar means to seal something with an official seal (precinto) or security tape, as police do at a crime scene (precintar el local) or customs officers do with parcels. It is distinct from sellar (to stamp/seal with a wax or ink seal). The noun precinto can refer to the seal itself or to a cordon; learners may encounter bajo precinto policial ('under police seal').

Examples

"La policía precintó el local tras el accidente."

Natural Translation

The police sealed off the premises after the accident.

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