expugnar

Senses

1. 1.

   to storm; to capture by force

   to take a fortified place or position by military assault

2. 2.

   to overcome; to vanquish

   to defeat or overcome (a person, obstacle, or difficulty)

Examples

• "Las tropas lograron expugnar la fortaleza después de un largo asedio."

  The troops managed to storm the fortress after a long siege.

• "Es difícil expugnar los prejuicios arraigados en la sociedad."

  It is difficult to overcome the deeply rooted prejudices in society.

• "El general ordenó expugnar la ciudad amurallada."

  The general ordered the assault on the walled city.

Usage

Formal and somewhat archaic or literary verb, rarely used in everyday speech. Common in historical, military, or figurative contexts where "overcome" or "capture" is meant. Often used in the passive voice or in formal prose.