apertar

Senses

1. 1.

   to tighten, to squeeze

   To press firmly or make tighter

2. 2.

   to press, to push (a button)

   To activate by pressing down on

3. 3.

   to hug, to embrace tightly

   To hold someone firmly in one's arms

4. 4.

   to become tight/difficult

   Used figuratively for situations becoming more difficult or constrained

Examples

• "Preciso apertar o cinto antes de dirigir."

  I need to tighten my seatbelt before driving.

• "Aperte o botão vermelho para ligar a máquina."

  Press the red button to turn on the machine.

• "Ela apertou o filho nos braços quando ele chegou."

  She hugged her son tightly in her arms when he arrived.

Usage

Very common verb in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Often used in the expression "apertar o cinto" (tighten one's belt, both literally and figuratively for economizing). The phrase "apertar o passo" means to hurry up or quicken one's pace. Can be reflexive: "se apertar" meaning to squeeze together or make room.