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.
chase
An actual hunt in which an animal, or more rarely a human, is pursued and driven by hunters, often with dogs.
Früher war die Hetzjagd mit einer großen Hundemeute eine beliebte Form der Jagd beim Adel.
In the past, hunting with a large pack of hounds was a popular form of the chase among the nobility.
'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.
witch hunt
Both words can refer to an aggressive public campaign against a person or group. „Hexenjagd“ emphasizes suspicions, unfounded accusations, and prejudgment, while „Hetzjagd“ highlights aggressively pursuing someone and damaging their reputation. „Hexenjagd“ is more suitable when someone is being made a scapegoat, while „Hetzjagd“ is more suitable for aggressive persecution.
Die Medienkritik an dem Schauspieler wurde zu einer Hetzjagd, die seinen Ruf schwer beschädigte.
The media’s criticism of the actor turned into a witch hunt that seriously damaged his reputation.
Die unbelegte Beschuldigung gegen die Ärztin entwickelte sich zu einer öffentlichen Hexenjagd.
The unfounded accusation against the doctor developed into a public witch hunt.
