scaremongering
Loading your saved state.
scaremongering
The deliberate and often exaggerated spreading of alarming news or warnings with the intention of creating fear and panic among the population.
Die reißerischen Schlagzeilen der Zeitung wurden von Kritikern als reine Panikmache bezeichnet.
The newspaper's sensational headlines were described by critics as pure scaremongering.
The word is made up of 'Panik' (panic) and 'machen' (to make). 'Panikmache' (scaremongering) therefore literally describes the 'making of panic' and is easy to understand.
Lass dich von dieser Panikmache in den Nachrichten nicht verunsichern.
Don't let this scaremongering in the news unsettle you.
A very common combination is 'Panikmache betreiben' (to engage in scaremongering). You can also 'jemandem Panikmache vorwerfen' (accuse someone of scaremongering) or describe something as 'reine Panikmache' (pure scaremongering).
Manche Politiker betreiben vor Wahlen gezielt Panikmache.
Some politicians deliberately engage in scaremongering before elections.
The word 'Panikmache' (scaremongering) always has a strongly negative and derogatory meaning. It is used to criticize and condemn the way a person or group communicates.
Seine Warnungen waren keine sachliche Information, sondern bloße Panikmache.
His warnings were not factual information, but mere scaremongering.
warning
'Warnung' and 'Panikmache' can both contain alarming information. The difference lies in the intention and tone. A 'Warnung' is meant to draw attention objectively to a real possible danger. 'Panikmache' sounds negative: someone spreads exaggerated or deliberately frightening news so that others become afraid. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with danger and fear. If the information is helpful and appropriate, 'Warnung' fits. If it seems exaggerated or is meant to cause fear, 'Panikmache' fits.
Viele fanden den Bericht reine Panikmache, weil die Zahlen falsch erklärt wurden.
Many people found the report to be pure scaremongering because the figures were explained incorrectly.
Die Warnung des Wetterdienstes war wichtig, weil ein starker Sturm kam.
The weather service's warning was important because a strong storm was coming.