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"Rechazar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to reject", and "desechar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to throw away". Learn more about the difference between "rechazar" and "desechar" below.
rechazar(
rreh
-
chah
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to repel
Los soldados rechazaron la ofensiva del enemigo.The soldiers repelled the enemy offensive.
b. to drive back
Necesitamos tanques y helicópteros adicionales para rechazar a las fuerzas enemigas.We need additional tanks and helicopters to drive back the enemy forces.
a. to deny
La empresa ha rechazado las acusaciones de discriminación.The company has denied accusations of discrimination.
4. (medicine)
a. to reject
Desafortunadamente, el cuerpo del paciente rechazó el riñón que le donaron.Unfortunately, the patient's body rejected the donated kidney.
desechar(
dehs
-
eh
-
chahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to throw away
La fábrica desecha sus residuos en este lago.The factory throws away its waste into this lake.
b. to throw out
Voy a desechar toda la ropa que ya no uso.I'll throw out all the clothes I don't use anymore.
c. to get rid of
Tenemos que desechar los pensamientos negativos.We have to get rid of any negative thought.
2. (to decline)
b. to cast aside
Para mi consternación, el equipo creativo desechó mi sugerencia sobre el nuevo logo.To my dismay, the creative team cast aside my suggestion about the new logo.
3. (to abandon)
a. to drop
Tuvimos que desechar el proyecto de renovación por falta de tiempo y fondos.We had to drop the renovation project because of a lack of time and money.
