emperrar-se

[em-pe-RRAR-se]
verb (reflexive/pronominal)
to get stuck; to jam; to become obstinate; to dig in one's heels
1. to become physically stuck or jammed (said of mechanical objects or doors)
The door emperrou-se and wouldn't open.
A porta emperrou-se e não abria mais.
2. to become emotionally or mentally stuck on an idea; to become stubborn or obstinate
He emperrou-se on that idea and refused to listen to reason.
Ele emperrou-se naquela ideia e recusou-se a ouvir razão.
3. to refuse to move forward or progress; to dig in one's heels
The negotiations emperrou-se when both parties refused to compromise.
As negociações emperraram-se quando ambas as partes recusaram a fazer concessões.
This word is very common in Brazilian Portuguese, particularly in urban contexts where traffic jams ('engarrafamentos') and mechanical problems are frequent topics of conversation. It's also widely used to describe interpersonal stubbornness, especially in family or workplace disputes. The reflexive form 'emperrar-se' emphasizes the subject's own role in becoming stuck, either literally or figuratively.
NYC Slang
get stuck; jam up; dig in one's heels; refuse to budge
Synonyms / Sinônimos
travargriparprenderfixar-seteimarobstinat-se
Antonyms / Antônimos
soltardesbloquearliberarcederrender-se

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
emperrar-se
most common usage across Brazil for both mechanical and behavioral contexts
Rio de Janeiro
emperrar-se
common colloquial usage, often with emphasis on stubbornness
São Paulo
emperrar-se
standard usage, particularly in traffic and mechanical contexts
Portugal
emperrar-se / encravar-se
less common than in Brazil; Portuguese may use 'encravar-se' or 'travar-se' more frequently

Related Words

emperradoemperramentoemperradoremperraduradestracar

Related Idioms & Phrases

emperrar-se numa ideia
emperrar-se no meio do caminho
ficar emperrado
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →