scapegoat background

scapegoat

/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/ /ˈskeɪpˌɡəʊt/

Illustration scapegoat - Image 1

Illustration scapegoat - Image 2

noun

Sündenbock

In the Mosaic Day of Atonement ritual, a goat symbolically imbued with the sins of the people, and sent out alive into the wilderness while another was sacrificed.

Examples :

"When the project failed, the intern became the scapegoat, even though the whole team was responsible. "

Als das Projekt scheiterte, wurde der Praktikant zum Sündenbock, obwohl das gesamte Team verantwortlich war.

ritual religion theology mythology guilt

Illustration scapegoat - Image 1

Illustration scapegoat - Image 2

noun

Sündenbock

Someone punished for the error or errors of someone else.

Examples :

"He is making me a scapegoat."

Er macht mich zum Sündenbock.

person guilt society character action moral

Illustration scapegoat - Image 1

Illustration scapegoat - Image 2

verb

Sündenbock sein, zum Sündenbock machen

To punish someone for the error or errors of someone else; to make a scapegoat of.

Examples :

"The manager, trying to avoid blame for the project's failure, decided to scapegoat the intern by saying it was all her fault. "

Der Manager, der versuchte, die Schuld für das Scheitern des Projekts zu vermeiden, beschloss, die Praktikantin zum Sündenbock zu machen, indem er sagte, es sei alles ihre Schuld.

guilt action society moral

Illustration scapegoat - Image 1

Illustration scapegoat - Image 2

verb

Sündenbock sein, zum Sündenbock machen

To blame something for the problems of a given society without evidence to back up the claim.

Examples :

"The school administration scapegoated the new student for the recent vandalism, even though there was no proof that he was involved. "

Die Schulleitung machte den neuen Schüler zum Sündenbock für den kürzlichen Vandalismus, obwohl es keinen Beweis dafür gab, dass er beteiligt war.

politics society guilt attitude moral government history culture