Brainwash: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used when talking about forcing someone to accept certain beliefs or ideas, usually in a negative or coercive manner.

• The cult leader managed to brainwash the new recruits into following his every command.
• Some political regimes try to brainwash citizens into believing their propaganda.

This term usually implies teaching someone to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a specific group, often uncritically.

• Schools in the past were used to indoctrinate students with certain political ideologies.
• The organization aims to indoctrinate its members with its core values and principles.

This word typically has a negative connotation and is used to describe influencing or controlling someone in a clever, unfair, or deceitful way.

• She tried to manipulate her colleagues into doing her work for her.
• Advertisers often manipulate consumers into buying unnecessary products.

This term is often used in the context of training or conditioning someone to respond in a certain way, often through repetitive instruction.

• The spy was programmed to carry out the mission and not ask any questions.
• Children are sometimes programmed from an early age to follow certain cultural norms.