Brainwash: meaning, definitions and examples
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brainwash
[ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ ]
Definition
control
To brainwash someone means to make them believe something by repeatedly telling them it is true, even if it is not. It involves manipulating someone's thoughts and beliefs to the point where they are no longer able to think critically or independently.
Synonyms
indoctrinate, manipulate, program.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brainwash |
This word is often used when talking about forcing someone to accept certain beliefs or ideas, usually in a negative or coercive manner.
|
| indoctrinate |
This term usually implies teaching someone to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a specific group, often uncritically.
|
| manipulate |
This word typically has a negative connotation and is used to describe influencing or controlling someone in a clever, unfair, or deceitful way.
|
| program |
This term is often used in the context of training or conditioning someone to respond in a certain way, often through repetitive instruction.
|
Examples of usage
- They tried to brainwash the prisoners into confessing to crimes they didn't commit.
- The cult leader used brainwashing techniques to control his followers and make them obedient.
- She felt like she had been brainwashed by the constant propaganda.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'brainwash' was first coined during the Korean War in the early 1950s, describing techniques used to forcibly change soldiers' beliefs.
- It combines two words: 'brain' meaning the organ that thinks, and 'wash' implying cleaning or cleansing.
Psychology
- Psychologists study techniques like repetition, emotional appeals, and isolation, which are often used in attempts to influence thinking.
- Certain techniques related to brainwashing appeal to vulnerabilities, using methods such as fear, guilt, and false information.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'A Clockwork Orange' explore themes of brainwashing and the manipulation of a person's will.
- Music and media can also play a role in shaping beliefs, sometimes leading to similar outcomes as brainwashing.
History
- Throughout history, governments have utilized propaganda to brainwash citizens into adopting certain ideologies, especially in totalitarian regimes.
- The concept has been discussed by various prominent figures, including George Orwell in his book '1984,' where manipulation of truth is central.
Advertising
- Advertisements often use techniques that can be likened to brainwashing, employing catchy slogans and emotional tactics to influence consumer behavior.
- Brand loyalty can sometimes be attributed to subtle forms of conditioning, similar to brainwashing methods.
Translations
Translations of the word "brainwash" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lavagem cerebral
🇮🇳 मस्तिष्क-धुलाई
🇩🇪 Gehirnwäsche
🇮🇩 cuci otak
🇺🇦 промивання мізків
🇵🇱 pranie mózgu
🇯🇵 洗脳 (せんのう)
🇫🇷 lavage de cerveau
🇪🇸 lavado de cerebro
🇹🇷 beyin yıkama
🇰🇷 세뇌 (se-noe)
🇸🇦 غسيل دماغ
🇨🇿 vymývání mozku
🇸🇰 vymývanie mozgu
🇨🇳 洗脑 (xǐnǎo)
🇸🇮 pranje možganov
🇮🇸 heilaþvottur
🇰🇿 миын жуу
🇬🇪 ტვინის გამორეცხვა
🇦🇿 beyin yuma
🇲🇽 lavado de cerebro