Afkeren

Afkeren is a verb used in Dutch and Afrikaans to indicate turning away from something or rejecting a stance, idea, or affiliation. It can describe a deliberate change of loyalty or endorsement, and is often used in conversations about politics, religion, or social commitments. The term can be used reflexively as zich afkeren tegen iets (to turn against something) or non-reflexively with a subject that changes its position.

Etymology and usage notes: Afkeren is built from the prefix af- meaning away and keren meaning to turn. In both languages, it conveys a proactive reversal rather than a passive change of opinion. It is typically associated with moral or public implications, rather than casual shifts in preference.

Nuance: The word emphasizes a decision to reject or oppose rather than merely doubt. It is distinct from afkeer (aversion), which denotes a feeling of dislike, and from simply changing one’s mind without elements of rejection or opposition.

Examples:

- De partij keerde zich af van het compromis en sloot zich aan bij de oppositie.

- Zij keerde zich af van haar vroegere overtuiging nadat ze nieuwe informatie had gekregen.

- In de geschiedenis keerde de bevolking zich af van de autoriteiten tijdens de revolte.

See also: afkeer, keren, zich afkeren tegen.