enfrenten

Enfrenten is a conjugated form of the Spanish verb enfrentar. Enfrentar means to face, confront, or encounter something or someone, often a challenge, obstacle, or opponent. Enfrenten specifically appears in two main grammatical functions: as the present subjunctive form for third-person plural (que ellos enfrenten) and as the formal imperative for ustedes (Enfrenten al oponente).

The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object, or it can be used with a prepositional object when referring to a person (enfrentar a alguien) or to an abstract situation (enfrentar un problema, enfrentar la realidad). The related pronominal form enfrentarse means to face or deal with something oneself, often with the preposition a (enfrentarse a algo).

Etymology traces enfrentar to the noun frente (front) with the prefix en-, reflecting the notion of bringing something to the front or facing it directly. Over time, its range of meanings broadened to include facing challenges, opposing someone, or dealing with difficult circumstances.

Usage notes: enfrentar is versatile across registers, from everyday speech to formal writing. Enfrenten can appear in instructions, policy texts, sports commentary, or motivational contexts when addressing a group. It is closely related to synonyms such as afrontar and confrontar, though each word carries subtle nuance; enfrentar emphasizes direct facing or opposing a situation or opponent.

Examples: Es necesario que enfrenten la realidad. Enfrenten al rival con táctica. Enfrentaron la situación con calma. Enfrentarse a una dificultad requiere planificación y templanza.