καταδίωξη
Wordform Details
Translation: pursuitchase
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: καταδίωξη
Translation: pursuit; chase; persecution (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek καταδίωξις (katadíōxis), from the verb καταδιώκω (katadiṓkō) meaning 'to pursue closely, chase after'. The prefix κατα- (kata-) intensifies the action, while διώκω (diṓkō) means 'to pursue'. The English word 'persecution' shares a similar semantic development, though from Latin roots.
Example Usage
Η αστυνομία ξεκίνησε καταδίωξη του ύποπτου οχήματος.
The police initiated a pursuit of the suspect vehicle.
Μετά από καταδίωξη, συνέλαβαν τον δραπέτη.
After a chase, they arrested the fugitive.
Η καταδίωξη των θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων είναι παραβίαση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων.
The persecution of religious minorities is a violation of human rights.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'kata' (down/against) + 'diox' (pursue) = 'pursuing against someone'
- Remember 'cata-' as in 'catastrophe' (something coming down on you) and '-diox' as in 'dioxide' (something that spreads quickly) - someone spreading quickly after you
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in news reports about police chases or in legal contexts regarding the pursuit of criminals. The term has both everyday usage and specific legal meaning in Greek law enforcement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'δίωξη' means prosecution or pursuit, 'καταδίωξη' is more specifically about physical pursuit or chase, often with greater intensity. 'Καταδίωξη' has the intensifier prefix 'κατα-'.
Notes: In legal contexts, 'δίωξη' is more commonly used for prosecution, while 'καταδίωξη' is used for physical pursuit.
Mnemonic: 'Καταδίωξη' has 'κατα' (down/against) making it more intense - think of physically chasing someone down.
Explanation: 'Καταδίωξη' means pursuit or chase, while 'καταδίκη' means conviction or condemnation. They share the prefix 'κατα-' but refer to different stages of the legal process.
This word:
Η καταδίωξη του υπόπτου διήρκεσε πολλές ώρες.
The pursuit of the suspect lasted many hours.
Confused word:
Η καταδίκη του σε φυλάκιση ήταν αναμενόμενη.
His conviction to imprisonment was expected.
Notes: 'Καταδίωξη' happens before capture, while 'καταδίκη' happens after trial.
Mnemonic: 'Καταδίωξη' has 'διωξ' which sounds like 'chase', while 'καταδίκη' has 'δίκη' which relates to 'justice/judgment'.