Ausarten

Ausarten is a German verb that translates to "to degenerate," "to go wild," or "to get out of hand." It is often used to describe a situation or behavior that deteriorates from a normal or acceptable state into something worse, abnormal, or uncontrolled. The term can apply to various contexts, including the decline of moral standards, the breakdown of order, or the worsening of a physical or mental condition.

In a social or political context, "ausarten" might describe how a peaceful protest escalates into violence or how a well-intentioned policy leads to unintended negative consequences. It can also refer to the degradation of cultural values or the deterioration of social norms. In a more personal or psychological sense, it can describe a person's behavior becoming erratic or self-destructive, or a relationship deteriorating beyond repair.

The word carries a negative connotation, implying a loss of control and a movement towards a less desirable state. It suggests a process where things move away from their original or intended form in an undesirable direction. The etymology of the word links it to "Art," meaning "kind" or "species," with the prefix "aus-" indicating an outward or away movement, thus suggesting a deviation from the original kind.