verschleppen
Translation
to delay, to drag out, to abduct, to introduce (a disease)
Examples
Er hat die Arbeit absichtlich verschleppt.
He deliberately delayed the work.
Die Krankheit wurde in die Stadt verschleppt.
The disease was introduced into the city.
Die Entführer verschleppten die Geisel.
The kidnappers abducted the hostage.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) verschleppen to delay sth. He deliberately delayed the work.
((sb.)) verschleppen to abduct sb. The kidnappers abducted the hostage.
Similar Words
verzögern (to delay), entführen (to kidnap)
Etymology
From 'ver-' (prefix indicating something going wrong or away) + 'schleppen' (to drag, haul). Literally 'to drag away' (abduct) or 'to drag out' (delay).
Memory Tips
Think of 'dragging' (schleppen) a task out, or 'dragging' someone away. The 'ver-' prefix adds a negative or completive sense.