Doorslikken

Doorslikken is a Dutch verb meaning to swallow something completely, typically referring to pills, liquids, or food. It is also used figuratively to mean tolerating or accepting something unpleasant or difficult.

The word is formed from door (through, completely) and slikken (to swallow). Doorslikken is a separable verb; in sentences the prefix can be placed at the end, for example: Hij slikt de pil door. The past participle is doorgeslikt, as in: Zij heeft de pil doorgeslikt.

Physically, doorslikken covers swallowing medication, beverages, or food, often with water. In medical contexts it appears in instructions about how to take a medicine and ensure it is swallowed properly.

Figuratively, the expression is common in everyday language. A bitter or difficult outcome can be described as something to “slikken” or to “door slikken.” Typical phrases include “een zure pil slikken” and “een moeilijke beslissing slikken,” both conveying the idea of enduring or accepting an unwelcome situation.

In summary, doorslikken is a versatile Dutch verb used in both literal and figurative senses to describe swallowing and the broader act of tolerating or accepting something challenging.