arrancada

Arrancada is a feminine noun in Spanish, derived from the verb arrancar. It refers to the act or result of starting or setting in motion something that was stationary, as well as to a sudden burst or acceleration. Depending on context, it can also denote the removal or uprooting of something from its place, though this sense is less common in everyday language compared with the motor or movement meanings.

In everyday and technical use, arrancada is often linked to engines, vehicles, and sports. It denotes the moment when an engine starts functioning or a vehicle begins to move, especially with an initial burst of speed. In motorsports and racing, the term also captures the start of a race or a notably rapid acceleration, as in “la arrancada fue explosiva.” Metaphorically, it can describe the kickoff of a project or initiative, as in “la arrancada de un nuevo proyecto,” emphasizing the start or launch of something.

The term is closely related to arrancar and to the noun arranque. Arrancada highlights the act or moment of starting, sometimes with emphasis on speed or force, whereas arranque tends to refer to the general start or the device’s starting mechanism. In many contexts, synonymous expressions include salida, inicio, or impulso.