abstemmen

to push off, brace against a surface

verb AB-shtem-men Rare

Usage Note

Abstemmen means to push forcefully away from a surface using hands or feet — used in swimming starts, gymnastics, and general athletics. Die Beine abstemmen = to push off with the legs.

Examples

"Sie stemmte sich kräftig vom Boden ab und sprang hoch."

Natural Translation

She pushed off powerfully from the floor and jumped high.

Literal Translation

She braced herself powerfully from the floor off and jumped high.

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