encubren

Encubren is a Spanish verb form meaning “they cover up” or “they conceal.” It is the third-person plural present indicative of encubrir, the verb that denotes hiding, shielding, or withholding information, often in a context that implies wrongdoing or avoidance of accountability.

Etymology and meaning: Encubrir comes from the prefix en- added to cubrir (to cover). The sense broadened from physical covering to concealment of facts, evidence, or persons. In usage, encubren typically implies a deliberate act of hiding truth or evading consequences, rather than mere physical coverage.

Usage and nuances: Encubren is commonly found in journalism, law, and politics when describing actions intended to obscure, protect, or condone illicit behavior. It connotes intent and complicity more than a simple act of covering; it can refer to concealing a crime, protecting a suspect, or withholding information from authorities. The verb forms its own set of conjugations in other tenses and moods, such as encubro (I cover up) and encubrió (he/she/it covered up).

Related terms: Encubrimiento is the noun form meaning “cover-up.” Other related verbs include encubrir, encubierto (the past participle), and synonyms like ocultar, disimular, or descubrir, depending on nuance. The term is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, though connotations may vary with context and register.

See also: encubrimiento; cubrir; ocultar.