ahorcaron

Ahorcaron is the third-person plural preterite indicative form of the Spanish verb ahorcar, meaning “they hanged” or “you all hanged.” It is used in narrative past tense to describe executions by hanging, especially in historical, legal, or literary contexts. The verb derives from horca, meaning gallows, and reflects an action carried out with a rope or similar device.

Grammatical note: Ahorcaron appears in the preterite tense for ellos/ellas/ustedes. The corresponding forms for other persons exist (for example, yo ahorqué in the first person singular, following the standard -car spelling rule, and ahorcó for the third person singular). The word is typically encountered in written or formal prose, particularly when recounting past events.

Usage and context: In modern neutral prose, ahorcar is a violent action and is less common in everyday speech; writers may choose alternative verbs such as colgar or ejecutar depending on register and precision. In historical accounts, legal records, or literary narratives, ahorcaron may appear when describing past executions or punitive acts involving hanging.

See also: Ahorcar, colgar, pena de muerte, ejecución.