Ahorcaste

Ahorcaste is the second-person singular form of the Spanish verb ahorcar in the pretérito indefinido (preterite). It means you hanged someone or, in a non-transitive sense, is used in contexts referring to hanging by the neck with a rope or similar device. When used reflexively, the corresponding form is tú te ahorcaste, meaning you hanged yourself.

The verb ahorcar is derived from horca, meaning gallows. Historically, ahorcar is associated with executions or violent acts, and in modern usage it is more common to use colgar for ordinary suspensions or hangings (such as a painting or clothes). Ahorcar remains prevalent in legal, historical, or crime reporting contexts and in literature to convey serious or violent action.

Conjugation and usage notes: ahorcar is a regular -ar verb. Principal pretérite forms include yo ahorqué (spelling change to preserve /k/ before e), tú ahorcaste, él/ella/ud. ahorcó, nosotros ahorcamos, vosotros ahorcasteis, ellos ahorcaron. The reflexive form for the second person is tú te ahorcaste, while for third person it is él se ahorcó. In everyday speech, speakers may prefer synonyms such as colgar unless the meaning requires the more violent or formal nuance of ahorcar.

See also: horca, ahorcar, colgar, suicidio (in discussions of self-harm).

Safety note: If this topic raises concerns about self-harm or is affecting someone’s well-being, please seek support from local emergency services or mental health professionals. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.