witch hunt / chase
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witch hunt
An aggressive public campaign or persecution of a person or group, often by the media, with the aim of damaging their reputation or discrediting them.
Nach dem Skandal veranstaltete die Presse eine regelrechte Hetzjagd auf den Politiker.
After the scandal, the press launched a full-blown witch hunt against the politician.
'Hetzjagd' (witch hunt/chase) is a compound noun made up of 'hetzen' (to hunt, hurry, incite) and 'Jagd' (hunt). Literally, it describes a hunt in which the game is 'gehetzt' (driven and pursued).
Die Hunde hetzten den Fuchs durch den Wald.
The dogs chased the fox through the forest.
In the figurative meaning, the preposition 'auf' (+ accusative) is often used. Typical verbs are 'eine Hetzjagd veranstalten' (to launch/stage a witch hunt), 'eine Hetzjagd beginnen' (to begin a witch hunt), or 'Opfer einer Hetzjagd werden' (to become the victim of a witch hunt).
Die Boulevardpresse veranstaltete eine Hetzjagd auf die Schauspielerin.
The tabloid press launched a witch hunt against the actress.
This word is very strong and emotionally negative. It is used to criticize an aggressive public persecution of a person or group that is perceived as unfair.
Die Kommentare in den sozialen Medien entwickelten sich zu einer regelrechten Hetzjagd.
The comments on social media turned into a full-blown witch hunt.
hunt / chase
'die Jagd' and 'die Hetzjagd' can both mean a pursuit or chase. 'Jagd' is the normal and broader word: it can be about animals, or figuratively about an intense search. 'Hetzjagd' sounds much stronger and more negative. Literally, it means a hunt in which an animal or person is driven or chased. Today, the word is often used figuratively when a person or group is attacked publicly and aggressively, for example in the media. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with hunting or chasing. But 'Hetzjagd' emphasizes pressure, aggression, and often unfairness.
Nach dem Interview begann im Internet eine Hetzjagd gegen den jungen Politiker.
After the interview, a witch hunt against the young politician began online.
Mia liebt die Jagd nach guten Fotos, wenn sie durch die Stadt läuft.
Mia loves the hunt for good photos when she walks through the city.