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Feindbild
/ˈfaɪ̯ntˌbɪlt/
enemy image
Das Feindbild der Regierung ist klar: Sie sieht die Opposition als Bedrohung für die Stabilität des Landes.
The government's enemy image is clear: it sees the opposition as a threat to the country's stability.
formal
A preconceived and often exaggerated negative image or stereotype of an enemy, group, or idea, used to justify hostility or conflict.
In der Propaganda wird ein Feindbild geschaffen, um die Bevölkerung gegen eine bestimmte Gruppe aufzuhetzen.
In propaganda, an enemy image is created to incite the population against a specific group.
Das Feindbild des Westens gegenüber Russland hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten verfestigt.
The West's enemy image of Russia has solidified over the past decades.
Often used in political, social, or psychological contexts to describe how groups or nations demonize others.
Collocations
ein Feindbild schaffento create an enemy imageein Feindbild bedienento cater to an enemy imagesich ein Feindbild machento form an enemy image (of someone)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'Feind'
'Feindbild' is not just 'Feind' (enemy), but specifically the *image* or *stereotype* of an enemy. It emphasizes the constructed, often exaggerated nature of this perception.
Gold Rule
Context matters
In political or media contexts, 'Feindbild' often implies intentional manipulation, whereas in personal contexts, it may describe a biased perception without malice.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Feind' (enemy) and 'Bild' (image, picture), first attested in the early 20th century. Reflects the psychological and political concept of dehumanizing or stereotyping an opponent.
Usage Notes
Common in discussions about propaganda, international relations, and social conflicts. Often carries a negative connotation, implying deliberate manipulation or bias.
Word Breakdown
Feind
enemy
rootBild
image, picture
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch