encerramiento
Lemma Details
Translation: confinement; enclosure; lockup; imprisonment
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'encerrar' (to confine, to enclose, to lock up), which comes from the Latin prefix 'in-' (in, into) and 'serrare' (to lock, to bolt). The suffix '-miento' indicates the action or result of the verb. The Latin 'serrare' is related to 'sera' (bar, bolt), which gives us the English cognate 'sere' (a bolt or bar for a door). The concept of enclosing or confining something within boundaries is central to this word's meaning.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El encerramiento obligatorio duró tres meses.
The mandatory confinement lasted three months.
Sufría de claustrofobia debido a su encerramiento en espacios pequeños.
He suffered from claustrophobia due to his confinement in small spaces.
El encerramiento de los animales en jaulas pequeñas es considerado cruel.
The confinement of animals in small cages is considered cruel.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'encerrar' (to lock up) + '-miento' (the action of) = the action of locking up or confining.
- Sounds like 'in-ceremony' – a ceremony where someone is put in confinement.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The concept of 'encerramiento' gained particular relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spanish-speaking countries, where it was often used to describe the mandatory confinement periods. In Spain, it's also used in the context of bullfighting to refer to the enclosure of bulls before a corrida.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Encerramiento' refers to confinement or enclosure, while 'enterramiento' means burial or interment.
Confused word:
El enterramiento tuvo lugar en el cementerio local.
The burial took place in the local cemetery.
Notes: Both words end with the same suffix '-miento' indicating an action or result, but have very different meanings based on their root verbs.
Mnemonic: 'Encerramiento' has 'cerrar' (to close) in it, while 'enterramiento' has 'tierra' (earth) – one closes you in, the other puts you in the earth.
Explanation: 'Encerramiento' typically refers to the act of confining or the state of being confined, while 'cerramiento' more specifically refers to a physical enclosure, fence, or barrier.
Confused word:
Instalaron un cerramiento metálico alrededor de la propiedad.
They installed a metal fence around the property.
Notes: Both terms share the root 'cerrar' (to close), but 'cerramiento' is more commonly used in construction and property contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Encerramiento' has the prefix 'en-' suggesting something being put into confinement, while 'cerramiento' focuses on the barrier itself.