The Spanish verb 'estrellar' comes from the Spanish noun 'estrella' meaning 'star', combined with the verbal suffix '-ar'. The noun 'estrella' itself derives from the Latin word 'stella', meaning 'star'. Interestingly, while 'estrellar' can mean 'to star' (as in a film or show), it has also developed the meaning 'to smash' or 'to crash', likely from the image of something breaking into a star-like pattern of cracks or fragments.

The most obvious related Spanish word is 'estrella' (star), which is both simpler and more commonly used than 'estrellar'. When you learn that 'estrella' means 'star', it becomes easier to remember that 'estrellar' can mean either 'to star in something' or 'to smash' (thinking of a star-burst pattern). You might also encounter 'estrellado' (starry, or in the case of 'huevos estrellados' - fried eggs, literally 'starred eggs' because of their appearance).

While English 'star' is not directly related (it comes from Germanic roots), we do have several words from the same Latin 'stella' root. These include 'stellar' (excellent, star-like), 'constellation' (a group of stars), 'interstellar' (between stars), and 'stellate' (star-shaped). Understanding this connection can help you remember that 'estrellar' is related to stars.