conmover

Conmover is a Spanish verb that primarily denotes causing emotional movement, stirring feelings, or disturbing someone. It is used to describe experiences, events, or works of art that evoke strong emotional responses in a person or audience. The action is usually directed at a person or group, as in the phrases “la historia conmovió al público” or “la música me conmovió profundamente.” The reflexive form “conmoverse” describes the subject’s own emotional experience: “Me conmoví al saber la noticia.”

Etymology and range of meaning: Conmover is formed from the prefix con- plus mover (to move). Metaphorically, its sense centers on internal movement—emotional, moral, or psychological—rather than literal physical movement. Although its core usage is emotional, the verb can appear in broader contexts where something stirs or disturbs observers.

Usage and grammar: Conmover is transitive and typically takes a direct object referring to the person or group affected, often followed by a or in contexts where the affected entity is explicit: “conmovió a todos,” “conmovió a la audiencia.” The noun conmovido, and the adjective conmovedor or conmovedora, derive from the same root and describe someone moved or something emotionally moving. Common related verbs include emocionar, estremecer, and tocar; these can be near-synonyms depending on nuance.

Context and tone: In journalism, literature, and cinema criticism, conmover is used to characterize works or events with a strong emotional impact. It conveys affective resonance and is generally associated with positive or morally meaningful appeal, though it can describe distressing experiences as well.