travar

Senses

1. 1.

   to lock, to jam

   to cause something to stop moving or become stuck

2. 2.

   to freeze (up)

   to stop functioning (used for computers, machines, or the body)

3. 3.

   to engage, to strike up

   to begin or initiate (a conversation, battle, or contact)

4. 4.

   to inhibit, to hold back

   to become inhibited or prevent oneself from acting freely

Examples

• "A porta travou e não consigo abrir."

  The door jammed and I can't open it.

• "Meu computador travou no meio da apresentação."

  My computer froze in the middle of the presentation.

• "Ele travou uma conversa interessante com a vizinha."

  He struck up an interesting conversation with the neighbor.

Usage

Very common verb in Brazilian Portuguese with multiple everyday uses. "Travar" is frequently used for technology issues (computers freezing) and mechanical problems (locks jamming). The reflexive form "se travar" means to become tongue-tied or inhibited. Common collocations: "travar a porta" (lock the door), "travar conversa" (strike up a conversation), "travar uma batalha" (engage in battle).