zozobra
/θoˈθobɾa/
The Spanish word for capsizing is zozobra.
The noun zozobra refers to the act of a vessel overturning or sinking, but it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe a state of deep anxiety, distress or instability.
Meaning: An overturning of a boat (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun zozobra is derived from the verb zozobrar, which is used to describe the action of a boat capsizing.
How do you pronounce it?
/θoˈθobɾa/
Did you know?
- The word zozobra likely comes from the Old Catalan word sotsobre, which is a combination of sots meaning 'under' and sobre meaning 'over'.
- The word zozobra describes a specific type of anxiety that feels like being adrift or unstable. Spanish has no single English equivalent for this feeling, as it blends the concepts of worry, apprehension and instability.
- If a political negotiation is described as zozobrar, it means the deal is collapsing or 'sinking' before it can be finalized.
Examples in context
- El velero volcó en medio de la tormentaThe sailboat capsized in the middle of the storm.
- La zozobra del barco causó pánico entre los pasajeros.The capsizing of the boat caused panic among the passengers.
- La zozobra de la barca fue repentina.The capsizing of the boat was sudden.
- Evitaron la zozobra gracias al capitán.They avoided the capsizing thanks to the captain.
- La zozobra causó la pérdida de la carga.The capsizing caused the loss of the cargo.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a stormy sea from the shore.
- MaríaMira esas olas, ¡hay riesgo de zozobra!Look at those waves, there is a risk of capsizing!
- MateoTienes razón, el bote es muy pequeño.You are right, the boat is too small.
- MaríaEspero que sepan evitar la zozobra.I hope they know how to avoid capsizing.
- MateoSeguro que sí, Mateo es un experto.I'm sure they do, Mateo is an expert.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zozobra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zozobra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
