Atracar (to moor) refers to bringing a vessel close to shore or to a dock, securing it so that it does not move.
To intend to rob a person by assaulting him, usually by intimidating him with a weapon.
SYNONYMS FOR Atracar
- To dock
- To board
- Hartar
- Henchir
- Filling
- Stuffing
- Satiate
ORIGIN OF Atracar
Atracar is a word with a somewhat confusing etymology, but apparently it is of Arabic origin, and it is defined as a verb, being a polysemic word, that is to say, it has several meanings.
At least the RAE Dictionary attributes eleven meanings to it without any semantic linkage with the others, since many of them are of regional scope with no use outside their locality.
The first of them is semantically related to maritime activities. On the other hand, the third meaning, also of general use, is perhaps the most common, which is: to assault for the purpose of robbery.
The dictionary of the RAE records two other meanings of this word, the tenth: to get stuck when a conduit is obstructed, and the eleventh which would mean: to fit one thing to another so tightly that it is difficult to separate them: “the pipe got stuck and the water does not come out”.
Another of the meanings defines atracar: as to eat and drink excessively, or to get fed up, and although this meaning is given as general in other countries it is not used in this way.
Another meaning is called chilenismo and it means: to kiss and erotically caress someone, commonly used in the expression “Juan and María were mugging it was a pleasure”.
CURIOSITIES OF Atracar
The second meaning of atracar is the same as “acercar” or “arrimar”.
The fourth meaning of the dictionary is equivalent to “to close a hole through which some explosive has been introduced, in order to ensure its effect”.
According to the sixth meaning, atracar is defined as usual both in Andalusia and Chile with the sense of “to hit, to beat”.
In Cuba and Costa Rica, and as for the eighth meaning, it refers to “to swindle by asking for money with the intention of not paying”.