German word

treiben

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʁaɪ̯bən/

Meaning

  • verbdrive

Example

Der Bauer treibt die Kühe auf die Weide.

The farmer drives the cows to the pasture.

Illustration for treiben (drive)

More examples

Die Reporterin treibt den Politiker mit hartnäckigen Fragen in die Enge.

The reporter drives the politician into a corner with persistent questions.

Core concept

A force or impulse sets someone or something moving and keeps the motion or activity going.

Common phrases

  • jemanden in die Enge treiben

    drive someone into a corner

  • jemanden zur Verzweiflung treiben

    drive someone to despair

Similar words

antreiben: Encourage someone to act with renewed effort or motivation.
drängen: Push someone to act quickly or without delay.
zwingen: Compel someone to act despite resistance or unwillingness.
bewegen: Move someone emotionally or persuade them to act differently.

Definition in German

durch Druck, Anreiz oder innere Motivation jemanden oder etwas in Bewegung bringen; außerdem etwas in Bewegung oder Aktivität halten

Word origin

German treiben comes from Old High German triban and Proto-Germanic *dribaną, and is related to English drive.

Usage tips

  • In Sport treiben, treiben means engage in sport or exercise rather than drive something.

Other meanings

  • exerciseverb
  • driftverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word