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.
witch hunt
The historical persecution and murder of people who were accused of witchcraft, especially in early modern Europe.
Die Hexenjagd im Mittelalter und der frühen Neuzeit forderte unzählige unschuldige Opfer.
The witch hunts in the Middle Ages and early modern period claimed countless innocent victims.
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.
witch hunt / chase
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 unbelegte Beschuldigung gegen die Ärztin entwickelte sich zu einer öffentlichen Hexenjagd.
The unfounded accusation against the doctor developed into a public witch hunt.
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.
