witch hunt
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witch hunt
An aggressive public campaign against a person or group, based on suspicion and prejudgment.
Die Medien veranstalteten eine regelrechte Hexenjagd auf den Politiker.
The media staged a veritable witch hunt against the politician.
The word is made up of 'Hexe' (witch) and 'Jagd' (hunt). The modern, figurative meaning of a campaign against someone derives directly from the historical hunt for alleged witches.
Die Geschichte der Hexenjagden ist ein dunkles Kapitel Europas.
The history of witch hunts is a dark chapter of Europe.
In the modern meaning, 'Hexenjagd' (witch hunt) is often used with the verb 'veranstalten' (to stage/organize) or 'beginnen' (to begin). The person or group being attacked is connected with the preposition 'auf' (+ accusative).
Die Boulevardpresse veranstaltet eine Hexenjagd auf den jungen Schauspieler.
The tabloid press is staging a witch hunt against the young actor.
You can recognize the historical meaning from signal words such as 'Mittelalter' (Middle Ages) or 'frühe Neuzeit' (early modern period). The figurative, modern meaning usually refers to media, politics, or public opinion.
Im Geschichtsunterricht lernen wir über die Hexenjagd in Salem.
In history class, we learn about the witch hunt in Salem.
pursuit / persecution
'die Verfolgung' and 'die Hexenjagd' can both mean that people are attacked unfairly or aggressively. 'Verfolgung' is a more general word and can mean systematic oppression because of religion, politics, or origin. 'Hexenjagd' has a historical meaning: the persecution of people accused of being witches. Today, the word is also used figuratively for an aggressive public campaign against someone, often without a fair examination of the accusations. The words can be confused because both describe attacks on people. 'Verfolgung' sounds more neutral and general, while 'Hexenjagd' emphasizes prejudgment and public sentiment.
Die Zeitung sprach von einer Hexenjagd, weil der Politiker schon vor dem Prozess verurteilt wurde.
The newspaper called it a witch hunt because the politician had already been judged before the trial.
Nach der Verfolgung suchten viele Menschen Schutz in einem anderen Land.
After the persecution, many people sought protection in another country.