elterelni

Elterelni is a Hungarian verb meaning to divert, distract, or misdirect attention, resources, or movement away from a target or issue. It is transitive and used with a direct object in the accusative (for example, elterelni a figyelmet, elterelni a forgalmat). The action can be neutral, such as redirecting traffic for safety, or negative, implying manipulation or deceit when used about attention, funds, or information. In political and media discourse, elterelni frequently denotes deliberate attempts to shift focus from a problem or wrongdoing.

Etymology: The verb is formed with the prefix el- meaning away or off, attached to terelni, itself derived from terel “to steer, direct.” The combination conveys moving something away from its original direction.

Usage and grammar: Elterelni is a regular transitive verb with perfective aspect. It takes a direct object in the accusative and is used with various complements or prepositional phrases to specify what is being diverted (e.g., a figyelmet, a forgalmat). In past narrative, the past tense is formed with a preterite suffix (eltereltem, elterelted, elterelte, eltereltük, eltereltétek, elterelték); present and future forms accord with standard Hungarian verb conjugation.

Examples: A politikus megpróbálta elterelni a figyelmet a válságról. The politician tried to divert attention from the crisis. A vállalat elterelte a pénzeket egy magánprojektre. The company diverted the funds to a private project.

See also: elterelés, terelés, figyelemelterelés.