espugnare

to storm

verb eh-spoo-NYAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin expugnare (to take by storm), from ex- + pugnare (to fight).

Also means

to capture by force

Usage Note

Espugnare means to take a fortified place or stronghold by force — espugnare una fortezza (to storm a fortress). It is also used figuratively in sports journalism: espugnare il campo avversario (to win on the opponent's ground). It takes avere as its auxiliary. The noun is espugnazione (storming, capture).

Examples

"Le truppe hanno espugnato il castello."

Natural Translation

The troops stormed the castle.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Noun Gender: Rules, Endings & Exceptions

Italian noun gender decoded: -o is usually masculine, -a feminine, but -zione and -tà are feminine, -ore and -ma masculine. Plus the trap words to memorize.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read