vertreiben
Translation
to drive away, to expel, to sell, to pass time
Examples
Der Hund vertreibt die Katzen.
The dog drives the cats away.
Diese Firma vertreibt Software.
This company sells software.
Er vertreibt sich die Zeit mit Lesen.
He passes the time by reading.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((from...)) to drive (sb./sth.) away (from...) He drove the dog out of the house.
((sth.)) to sell/distribute (sth.) The company sells computers.
((sich)) die Zeit ((with sth.)) to pass the time (with sth.) She passes the time by painting.
Similar Words
Etymology
Composed of 'ver-' (prefix, often indicating removal) and 'treiben' (to drive). The literal sense is 'to drive away'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the English 'drive'. 'ver-' (away) + 'treiben' (drive) = drive away. For the 'sell' meaning, think of 'driving' sales or distributing products.