Treiben Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Treiben" is used as verb with the meaning of "drive", "propel" or "push".

Essential properties of "treiben"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: treiben
Simple past: trieb
Participle: getrieben

irregulartransitiveintransitive

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "treiben" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To cause movement in a specific direction"

Definition: "To make something move or advance in a specific direction."
Translation(s): drive, propel, push, move
Synonym(s): Schieben, Stoßen
Antonym(s): Stoppen
Related word(s): Drücken, Bewegen

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Wind kann das Schiff treiben.The wind can drive the ship.
Die Strömung treibt das Holz den Fluss hinunter.The current drives the wood down the river.
Die Maschine treibt den Kolben an.The machine drives the piston.

2.) "To engage in an activity"

Definition: "To engage in an activity or dedicate oneself to something."
Translation(s): practice, pursue, engage in, do
Synonym(s): betreiben, ausüben
Antonym(s): unterlassen
Related word(s): Arbeiten, tätig sein

📝 Some usage examples:

Er treibt jeden Tag Sport.He does sports every day.
Sie treibt Handel mit exotischen Früchten.She engages in trade with exotic fruits.
Er treibt seine Geschäfte sehr erfolgreich.He conducts his business very successfully.

3.) "To push to an extreme state"

Definition: "To drive someone or something to an extreme condition."
Translation(s): drive, push, force
Synonym(s): drängen, nötigen
Antonym(s): beruhigen
Related word(s): zwingen, vorantreiben

📝 Some usage examples:

Die Armut treibt viele Menschen zur Verzweiflung.Poverty drives many people to despair.
Der Druck treibt ihn zu besseren Leistungen.The pressure drives him to better performance.
Die Not treibt sie, härter zu arbeiten.Necessity drives her to work harder.

4.) "To float or drift"

Definition: "To float or be transported on water or in the air."
Translation(s): drift, float
Synonym(s): schwimmen, driften
Antonym(s): sinken
Related word(s): treiben lassen, schweben

📝 Some usage examples:

Ein Boot treibt auf dem See.A boat drifts on the lake.
Wolken treiben am Himmel.Clouds drift in the sky.
Das Holz treibt im Wasser.The wood floats in the water.

5.) "To herd or drive animals"

Definition: "To force animals to move in a specific direction."
Translation(s): herd, drive, round up
Synonym(s): Herde, Führen
Antonym(s): Halten
Related word(s): Jagen, Treiben lassen

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Hirte treibt die Schafe auf die Weide.The shepherd drives the sheep to the pasture.
Sie treiben das Vieh in den Stall.They drive the cattle into the stable.
Er treibt die Kühe zur Tränke.He drives the cows to the watering hole.

6.) "To overdo or exaggerate"

Definition: "To do something intensely or excessively."
Translation(s): overdo, exaggerate, push too far
Synonym(s): Übertreiben, Verstärken
Antonym(s): Unterlassen
Related word(s): Übertreiben, Intensiv

📝 Some usage examples:

Er treibt es mit dem Training zu weit.He takes his training too far.
Sie treibt ihre Studien bis zur Erschöpfung.She pushes her studies to exhaustion.
Manchmal treibt er seine Scherze zu weit.Sometimes he takes his jokes too far.

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