achtervolgd

Achtervolgd is a Dutch term that functions as both a past participle and an adjective derived from the verb achtervolgen, meaning to chase or pursue. It denotes that someone or something has been, or is being, pursued. The sense can be literal (a person chased by the police) or figurative (someone haunted or pursued by memories or troubles). The word is formed from achter (behind) and volgen (to follow).

In use, achtervolgd forms a passive construction with a form of zijn or worden. For example: Hij wordt achtervolgd door de pers. De verdachte is achtervolgd door de media. In the past tense: Hij werd achtervolgd door valse beschuldigingen. In the future: Zij zullen achtervolgd worden. When used as a modifier before a noun, it can be written as "de achtervolgde verdachte" or more commonly as "de verdachte die achtervolgd wordt." For the abstract noun, the related term is achtervolging (pursuit) and for the agent, achtervolger (pursuer).

Achtervolgd is typically neutral, but its connotation depends on context. It can describe a real pursuit by authorities, a criminal case, or a psychological sensation of being pursued by guilt, fear, or media attention. In modern usage, the term can also appear in figurative expressions such as being achtervolgd door herinneringen.

Etymology: from achter (behind) plus volgen (to follow). Related terms include achtervolger, achtervolging, and the verb achtervolgen; see also stalken in contemporary contexts.