perversion
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perversion
The distortion or falsification of a thing, idea, or principle into something negative or its opposite.
Die Verurteilung eines Unschuldigen ist eine Perversion der Gerechtigkeit.
The conviction of an innocent person is a perversion of justice.
'Perversion' (perversion) belongs to the word family of the adjective 'pervers' (perverse). Both words come from the Latin verb 'pervertere', which means 'to turn around' or 'to corrupt'. They describe a distortion into something negative.
Er nannte die Entscheidung eine Perversion des ursprünglichen Plans.
He called the decision a perversion of the original plan.
In the meaning 'Verdrehung' (distortion), 'Perversion' (perversion) is very often used with a genitive that indicates what is being distorted. The structure is therefore: 'eine Perversion + [Substantiv im Genitiv]' (a perversion of + [noun]).
Die Ausnutzung von Hilfsbereitschaft ist eine Perversion der Nächstenliebe.
The exploitation of helpfulness is a perversion of charity.
In a sexual context, the term 'Perversion' (perversion) is often considered outdated and judgmental today. In modern psychology and sexology, more neutral terms are preferred.
Das Buch aus dem 19. Jahrhundert beschreibt verschiedene angebliche Perversionen.
The book from the 19th century describes various supposed perversions.
You can tell from the context whether the abstract or the sexual meaning is intended. If it is about ideas, principles, or values (e.g., justice, truth), the abstract meaning is meant. If it is about sexual behavior, the other meaning is meant.
Die Zerstörung von Kunst als politisches Statement ist eine Perversion des kreativen Ausdrucks.
The destruction of art as a political statement is a perversion of creative expression.
distortion
'die Verzerrung' and 'die Perversion' can both mean that something no longer appears in its original or proper form. 'Verzerrung' is usually more neutral and broader: information or facts are presented in a false, one-sided, or misleading way. 'Perversion' is much stronger and more judgmental. It means that an idea, principle, or thing is twisted into something negative or even into its opposite. The words can be confused because both have to do with falsification or distortion. In normal factual texts, 'Verzerrung' is often more appropriate. Use 'Perversion' only when you want to express a very strong negative twisting of something.
Für ihn war die Bestechung eine Perversion des Rechtsgedankens.
For him, the bribery was a perversion of the idea of justice.
Die kurze Nachricht führte zu einer Verzerrung der ganzen Situation.
The short news report led to a distortion of the whole situation.