Also means
to condemn
Usage Note
Sentenciar is primarily a legal term meaning to pass a formal sentence on someone; the judge sentencia al acusado. Figuratively it also means to deliver a definitive judgement or pronouncement. The related noun sentencia means both a court verdict and a maxim or proverb. It is a regular -ar verb.
Examples
"El juez sentenció al acusado a cinco años de prisión."
Natural Translation
The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.

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