Eltanítják

Eltanítják is a Hungarian verb form meaning “they unteach” or “they teach away from” a habit, belief, or behavior. It is the third-person plural present tense of the verb eltanítani, which denotes causing someone to stop practicing or adopting something that they previously learned or believed. The nuance distinguishes it from simply teaching or correcting a behavior by replacing it with a more desirable one.

Etymology and usage notes

The word is formed from the prefix el- (indicating reversal or removal) attached to tanítani (to teach). In usage, eltanítják typically describes an action carried out by educators, parents, or institutions aimed at discouraging or eradicating a specific habit, belief, or practice. It often implies deliberate instruction or corrective guidance designed to replace an old pattern with a new one, rather than passive discouragement.

Common patterns

- They unteach someone from a harmful habit: eltanítják a diákokat a káros szokásoktól.

- A training or educational program unteaches outdated beliefs: A program eltanítja a résztvevőket a tévhitekről.

See also

Unlearn, discourage, teach away.