ontzien

Ontzien is a Dutch verb meaning to spare someone or something from a burden, to refrain from imposing an obligation, or to show leniency or mercy. The sense ranges from avoiding unnecessary effort to easing or exempting someone from duties or hardship. In everyday language it is commonly used to describe relief or merciful treatment, as well as practical actions that decrease burden or risk.

Etymology and history: Ontzien is formed with the prefix ont- plus zien (to see). The ont- prefix typically signals removal or reversal in Dutch, and zien contributes the core meaning related to perception or consideration. The modern sense of sparing or exempting developed over time in Dutch usage, but the exact historical path can vary by region and register.

Usage and grammar: Ontzien is a transitive verb. It typically takes a direct object representing the person or thing being spared, and can be accompanied by a prepositional phrase indicating what is spared from, such as a rule, duty, or burden. In formal written Dutch, ontzien is often used in policy, administrative, or managerial contexts to describe exemptions or lenient treatment; in everyday speech it can describe acts of mercy or practical relief.

Examples of contexts: political or social policy discussions describing exemptions or reduced requirements for groups; care or consideration shown to individuals or animals by reducing workload, risk, or discomfort.

See also: sparing, relieving, exempting, mercy, exemption.