alimentar

Senses

1. 1.

   to feed, to nourish

   to provide food or nutrition to someone or something

2. 2.

   to fuel, to power

   to supply energy or power to a machine or system

3. 3.

   to nurture, to foster

   to support or encourage the growth of ideas, feelings, or hopes

Examples

• "Ela alimenta os filhos com comida saudável."

  She feeds her children healthy food.

• "O painel solar alimenta todo o sistema elétrico da casa."

  The solar panel powers the entire electrical system of the house.

• "Não devemos alimentar falsas esperanças."

  We shouldn't nurture false hopes.

Usage

Regular -ar verb. Commonly used in both literal (feeding) and figurative contexts. The reflexive form "alimentar-se" means "to feed oneself/eat." Common collocations include "alimentar esperanças" (to harbor hopes) and "alimentar o sistema" (to power the system).