This is the 11162nd most frequent Spanish word.
empuñó
"He/she/it gripped or seized (something) tightly with the hand."
'Empuñó' is used to denote the act of gripping or holding a weapon or tool firmly in one's hand, especially in preparation for an action.
El caballero empuñó su espada con valentía antes de entrar en el duelo.
The knight grasped his sword with courage before entering the duel.
Here, 'empuñó' is used metaphorically to describe holding or wielding something symbolic, like a trophy, emphasizing the pride or formality of the act.
Durante la ceremonia, la campeona empuñó el trofeo con gran orgullo.
During the ceremony, the champion held the trophy with great pride.
In this sentence, 'empuñó' signifies raising or holding an object prominently to convey a message or symbolize an idea.