der Teufelskreis, -e
vicious circle
Eine Situation, in der ein Problem immer wieder zu neuen Problemen führt, sodass es schwer ist, herauszukommen.
Definition & meaning
The term Teufelskreis refers to a situation where a negative outcome leads to further actions or circumstances that exacerbate the original problem, creating a self-perpetuating loop from which it is difficult to escape. In English, this is commonly referred to as a "vicious circle" or a "vicious cycle."
Common contexts include:
- Psychology: A person feeling anxious about their performance, which leads to poor performance, causing more anxiety.
- Economics: A country suffering from poverty, leading to a lack of investment, which results in even greater poverty.
Grammar & Word origin
- Gender: Masculine (der Teufelskreis).
- Plural: Die Teufelskreise.
- Word origin: It is a compound noun consisting of two parts:
- Teufel: Meaning "devil."
- Kreis: Meaning "circle."
- The compound literally translates to "devil's circle," implying a trap set by or reminiscent of the devil.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Circulus vitiosus (The Latin term used in formal or scientific contexts).
- Abwärtsspirale (Meaning downward spiral).
- Teufelsspirale (A variation highlighting the deepening nature of the loop).
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Teufelskreis macht alles schwer.noun
The vicious circle makes everything difficult.
Wie entkommt man aus diesem gefährlichen Teufelskreis?noun
How does one escape from this dangerous vicious circle?
Armut führt oft in einen unendlichen Teufelskreis.noun
Poverty often leads to an infinite vicious circle.
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