Inceppate

Inceppate is the feminine plural form of the Italian past participle and adjective inceppato/inceppata, from the verb inceppare, meaning to jam or obstruct. It is used to describe feminine nouns that are blocked or malfunctioning due to a mechanical jam. The term is common in technical contexts involving firearms, machinery, engines, and other devices, and can also be used metaphorically to indicate stalled plans or processes.

Usage and grammar: As an adjective or past participle, inceppate agrees with the noun in gender and number: pistole inceppate (jammed pistols), parti inceppate (jammed parts). The singular feminine form is inceppata; masculine forms are inceppato and inceppati, while feminine plural remains inceppate. The word can appear in passive or descriptive constructions, for example: La pistola è inceppata; Le pistole sono inceppate; Le trattative sono inceppate.

Examples: Literal usage includes La pistola è inceppata, Le ruote si sono inceppate. Metaphorical usage is common as well, such as Le trattative sono inceppate e il progetto è ancora inceppato, indicating that negotiations or plans have stalled. In colloquial Italian, inceppare often conveys a sense of an unexpected obstruction that interrupts normal operation, requiring inspection or repair.

See also: inceppare, inceppamento, bloccato.