Meaning 1neutral · 90%
to adversely affect or damage someone or something as part of a wider harmful event
Natural examples
Der Sturm zog auch das Stromnetz in Mitleidenschaft.
Die Krise zog zahlreiche Zulieferer in Mitleidenschaft.
Bei den Arbeiten darf die historische Fassade nicht in Mitleidenschaft gezogen werden.
Usage note
The fixed phrase means that a damaging event also adversely affects a person, system, object or area, often as a secondary consequence.
Useful combinations
— damage severely