vernachlässigen
Translation
to neglect, to ignore, to disregard
Examples
Er hat seine Pflichten vernachlässigt.
He neglected his duties.
Das Kind fühlte sich vernachlässigt.
The child felt neglected.
Man sollte seine Gesundheit nicht vernachlässigen.
One shouldn't neglect one's health.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to neglect (sb./sth.) She neglected her studies.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to ignore, to disregard; Antonyms: to care for (pflegen), to look after (sich kümmern um)
Etymology
Composed of 'ver-' (a prefix often implying error or completion) and 'nachlässig' (careless), from 'nachlassen' (to let up, leave). Essentially, to wrongly leave something behind.
Memory Tips
The 'ver-' prefix often has a negative connotation. Imagine leaving something 'nach' (after) you, forgetting about it, thus neglecting it.