afianzar

to consolidate

afianzar(ah-fyahn-sahr)

transitive verb

1. (to make secure)

a. to consolidate

Con esta película el director afianzó su trayectoria profesional.

With this movie the director consolidated his professional career.

2. (to buttress)

a. to reinforce (a building)

Tuvieron que afianzar el edificio ante el riesgo de derrumbe.

The building had to be reinforced due to the risk of it collapsing.

b. to strengthen

El pueblo recibió fondos del gobierno para afianzar sus defensas contra las inundaciones.

The town received money from the government to strengthen its flood defenses.

c. to secure

Los obreros afianzaron los andamios para garantizar la seguridad de los peatones.

The workers secured the scaffolding to guarantee the safety of pedestrians.

3. (to vouch for)

a. to guarantee

Gracias a que mi familia me afianzó, el banco me concedió la hipoteca.

Thanks to the fact that my family guaranteed me, the bank gave me a mortgage.

b. to stand surety for

Si Cristina no me hubiera afianzado no me habrían prestado tanto dinero.

If Cristina hadn't stood surety for me they wouldn't have lent me so much money.

afianzarse

pronominal verb

4. (to hold on)

a. to steady oneself

Tropezó, pero se afianzó al pasamanos.

He tripped, but steadied himself on the handrail.

5. (to become secure)

a. to become established

La fama de la cantante se afianzó cuando lanzó un segundo álbum tan bueno como el primero.

The singer's reputation became established when she launched a second album as good as the first one.

b. to consolidate itself

El imperio romano se había afianzado como potencia mundial.

The Roman empire had consolidated itself as a world power.