versagen
Translation
to fail, to break down, to deny
Examples
Der Motor hat versagt.
The engine failed.
Er hat bei der Prüfung versagt.
He failed the exam.
Sie versagte ihm ihre Hilfe.
She denied him her help.
Grammar Patterns
((at sth.)) to fail at sth. He failed at the exam.
((sb.)) ((sth.)) to deny sb. sth. She denied him her help.
to break down, fail The engine failed.
Similar Words
Synonyms: scheitern, misslingen; Antonyms: gelingen, klappen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating something going wrong) and 'sagen' (to say). It evolved from 'to misspeak' to 'to deny' or 'to fail'.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'ver-' prefix as meaning 'for-' as in 'forbid' or 'forsake'. It often implies a negative outcome. 'versagen' is like 'to say against' something, hence to deny or fail.