avispar

to prod

avispar(ah-bees-pahr)

transitive verb

1. (to stimulate)

a. to prod

Juan ya no sabe qué hacer para avispar a su hijo que es un despistado.

Juan doesn't know what else to do to prod his son who just spends his time daydreaming.

2. (to goad)

a. to spur on

El jinete avispó el caballo para escaparse del peligro.

The rider spurred on the horse to get out of danger.

avisparse

pronominal verb

3. (to become alert)

a. to wise up

Avíspate que te están engañando.

Wise up! You're being taken for a ride.

b. to get one's act together

No seas tan tímida y callada; es hora de que te avispes un poco.

Don't be so shy and quiet! It's about time you got your act together.

avispar

transitive verb

[+caballo] to spur on; (despabilar) to prod;

pronominal verb

avisparse (despabilarse) to liven up; (preocuparse) to fret; worry; (Latinoamérica) (alarmarse) to become alarmed