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sbarrare

to bar, to block; to widen (eyes)

verb zbahr-RAH-reh Rare

Origin: From sbarra (bar, rod), from Frankish.

Usage Note

Sbarrare has two distinct meanings: to block or bar a passage (sbarrare la strada = to block the road) and to widen one's eyes in surprise (sbarrare gli occhi = to stare wide-eyed). The second use is very common in Italian narrative writing. Conjugates regularly (-are).

Examples

"Ha sbarrato gli occhi per la sorpresa."

Natural Translation

He stared wide-eyed in surprise.

Literal Translation

He widened the eyes from the surprise.

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