prodigar

to lavish; to bestow generously

verb proh-dee-GAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin 'prodigere' (to drive forth, to squander), from 'pro-' + 'agere' (to drive).

Usage Note

Prodigar means to give or distribute something abundantly, often with a slightly extravagant connotation. It is frequently used reflexively — prodigarse — to mean 'to be lavish with one's presence or attention' or 'to make many public appearances': el cantante no se prodiga mucho ('the singer doesn't make many appearances'). The adjective pródigo (prodigal, lavish) shares the same Latin root.

Examples

"El entrenador se prodigó en elogios hacia el equipo."

Natural Translation

The coach was lavish with praise for the team.

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