verschleppen
Translation
to abduct, to kidnap, to delay, to let an illness drag on
Examples
Die Entführer haben ihn verschleppt.
The kidnappers abducted him.
Er hat seine Erkältung verschleppt.
He let his cold drag on.
Sie hat die Entscheidung absichtlich verschleppt.
She deliberately delayed the decision.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) verschleppen to abduct sb. The rebels abducted the journalists.
((sth.)) verschleppen to delay sth. He is delaying the payment of his bills.
((sth.)) verschleppen to let an illness drag on You shouldn't let the flu drag on.
Similar Words
entführen (to abduct), verzögern (to delay), hinauszögern (to procrastinate)
Etymology
From 'ver-' (away, wrongly) and 'schleppen' (to drag, haul). Literally 'to drag away' (abduct) or 'to drag on' (delay).
Memory Tips
Picture 'schleppen' (dragging) someone 'ver-' (away), or dragging out an illness or task.