acuar

Senses

1. 1.

   to corner

   to force someone or something into a tight spot with no escape

2. 2.

   to back into a corner

   to put someone in a difficult position where they must respond or act

3. 3.

   to drive back

   to force an animal or person to retreat to a confined space

Examples

• "Os policiais conseguiram acuar o ladrão no beco sem saída."

  The police managed to corner the thief in the dead-end alley.

• "O jornalista acuou o político com perguntas difíceis durante a entrevista."

  The journalist cornered the politician with difficult questions during the interview.

• "O leão acuou a presa contra as rochas."

  The lion drove the prey back against the rocks.

Usage

Commonly used in both literal contexts (physically cornering someone/something) and figurative contexts (putting someone in a difficult position through questioning or circumstances). Often appears with direct objects indicating who or what is being cornered. Regular -ar verb conjugation.