terputar

Terputar is an Indonesian verb formed with the prefix ter- attached to the root putar, which means to turn or rotate. It generally describes a state resulting from rotation, often indicating that something has been rotated or is in the process of rotating, and it frequently conveys a passive or involuntary nuance. The term can refer to physical rotation of objects such as wheels, gears, or knobs, as well as to figurative or metaphorical senses, such as a mind or situation being in a state of spinning or flux.

Etymology and usage notes: The prefix ter- indicates a passive or resultant state rather than an agent performing the action. Terputar contrasts with berputar, which describes an active turning or revolving performed by the subject. The reduplication terputar-putar is used to emphasize continuous or repeated rotation.

Examples of usage:

- Roda mobil itu terputar saat mesin dinyalakan. (The car wheel spins when the engine is started.)

- Gagang pintu terputar perlahan meskipun tidak ada yang menyentuhnya. (The door knob turns slowly even though no one touches it.)

- Pikirannya terputar-putar karena keputusan sulit. (His thoughts are spinning around due to a difficult decision.)

In sum, terputar denotes a state of rotation or being rotated, with a semantic range that spans tangible, mechanical rotation and broader, figurative meanings related to movement or disturbance in a non-literal sense.