Zuspitzen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Zuspitzen" is used as verb with the meaning of "escalate", "intensify" or "worsen".

Essential properties of "zuspitzen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: zuspitzen
Simple past: spitzte zu
Participle: zugespitzt

regularseparabletransitivereflexive

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 "zuspitzen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To make a situation more tense/critical"

Definition: "To make a situation become more tense or critical."
Translation(s): escalate, intensify, worsen, come to a head
Synonym(s): verschärfen, eskalieren
Antonym(s): entspannen, beruhigen
Related word(s): Spitze, Zuspitzung

📝 Some usage examples:

Die Diskussion begann sich zu zuspitzen, als neue Fakten ans Licht kamen.The discussion began to escalate as new facts came to light.
Die politische Lage hat sich in den letzten Wochen stark zugespitzt.The political situation has intensified sharply in recent weeks.
Wenn wir nicht handeln, wird sich die Krise weiter zuspitzen.If we don't act, the crisis will further escalate.

2.) "To sharpen something to a point"

Definition: "To sharpen an object until it has a sharp point."
Translation(s): sharpen, point, taper
Synonym(s): schärfen, anspitzen
Antonym(s): stumpfen, abstumpfen
Related word(s): Spitze, Zuspitzung

📝 Some usage examples:

Er begann, den Bleistift mit einem Messer zuzuspitzen.He began to sharpen the pencil with a knife.
Die Pfeile müssen vor dem Wettkampf zugespitzt werden.The arrows must be sharpened before the competition.
Sie zuspitzt den Stock, um ihn als Werkzeug zu verwenden.She sharpens the stick to use it as a tool.

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