neerslaan

Neerslaan is a Dutch verb meaning to suppress, quell, or defeat something or someone, typically through force or decisive action. It is commonly used for physical suppression by authorities against protests, uprisings, or armed groups, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe overcoming opposition, dissent, or strong resistance. In journalism and history, it often appears in phrases such as de opstand neerschlagen or de opstand is neergeslagen.

Etymology and form: Neerslaan is formed from neer (down) and slaan (to strike). It is a separable verb, so in the present tense the verb is made with the prefix when placed after the subject, e.g., de regering slaat de opstand neer. The past participle is neergeslagen, used in passive constructions such as de opstand is neergeslagen or de opstand werd neergeslagen. The literal sense is “to strike down,” with figurative extension to silencing or crushing resistance.

Usage notes: The term usually conveys a decisive, authoritative action and is most common in political, military, or law enforcement contexts. It can appear in both active and passive constructions. While it can be used figuratively, more neutral alternatives for non-physical suppression include onderdrukken or bedwingen.

See also: onderdrukken, bedwingen, quell, suppress. These terms cover related nuances of constraining or ending resistance or disturbances.