Spannen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Spannen" is used as verb with the meaning of "stretch", "tighten" or "tauten".

Essential properties of "spannen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: spannen
Simple past: spannte
Participle: gespannt

regulartransitiveintransitive

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "spannen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To stretch or tighten something until taut"

Definition: "To stretch or tighten something so that it becomes taut."
Translation(s): stretch, tighten, tauten, strain
Synonym(s): straffen, anspannen, dehnen
Antonym(s): entspannen
Related word(s): Spannung, gespannt

📝 Some usage examples:

Er spannte den Bogen, um den Pfeil abzuschießen.He drew the bow to shoot the arrow.
Die Seiltänzerin spannte das Seil zwischen den Masten.The tightrope walker stretched the rope between the masts.
Bitte spann das Tuch über den Tisch.Please stretch the cloth over the table.

2.) "To create tension or anticipation"

Definition: "To create tension or anticipation."
Translation(s): create tension, build suspense, excite, thrill
Synonym(s): fesseln, neugierig machen
Antonym(s): entspannen
Related word(s): Spannung, spannend

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Autor spannte die Leser bis zum letzten Kapitel.The author kept the readers in suspense until the last chapter.
Die Serie spannt das Publikum von Folge zu Folge.The series keeps the audience in suspense from episode to episode.
Der Cliffhanger am Ende spannte alle auf die nächste Staffel.The cliffhanger at the end kept everyone in suspense for the next season.

3.) "To cause muscle pain or tension"

Definition: "To cause pain or muscle tension."
Translation(s): strain, tense up, ache, hurt
Synonym(s): verspannen, verkrampfen
Antonym(s): entspannen
Related word(s): Verspannung, Muskelspannung

📝 Some usage examples:

Nach dem langen Arbeitstag spannten ihre Nackenmuskeln.After the long workday, her neck muscles were tense.
Mein Rücken spannt von der schweren Arbeit.My back aches from the heavy work.
Wenn ich gestresst bin, spannt sich mein ganzer Körper an.When I'm stressed, my whole body tenses up.

4.) "To hitch or attach something"

Definition: "To hook or attach something to something else."
Translation(s): hitch, harness, attach, fasten, set (a sail)
Synonym(s): anspannen, befestigen
Related word(s): Gespann, Anspannung

📝 Some usage examples:

Er spannte die Pferde vor den Wagen.He hitched the horses to the wagon.
Die Bergsteiger spannten ein Seil zwischen den Felsen.The mountaineers fastened a rope between the rocks.
Wir müssen das Segel spannen, bevor wir losfahren.We need to set the sail before we leave.

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