adiçar

Adiçar is a Portuguese verb that carries a range of meanings related to inciting, provoking, or stirring up. At its core, it signifies the act of making something or someone more active, agitated, or eager. This can manifest in various contexts.

In a literal sense, adiçar can refer to the act of raising or lifting something. For instance, one might adiçar a vela (raise the sail) of a boat. More commonly, however, the verb is used figuratively. It can mean to instigate or encourage a conflict or dispute, essentially pushing parties towards confrontation. Similarly, adiçar can describe the act of stimulating desire or appetite, making someone feel hungrier or more inclined towards something.

Beyond negative connotations of provocation, adiçar can also imply encouraging positive action or enthusiasm. For example, a leader might adiçar their team to achieve a goal, inspiring them to greater effort. The specific nuance of adiçar is often determined by the context in which it is used, but the underlying idea of increased intensity or activity remains consistent.