Brainwashed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brainwashed
[หbreษชnหwษสt ]
Definition
mind control
To brainwash someone means to manipulate their thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors through coercive techniques that often involve extreme psychological pressure. This term is commonly associated with indoctrination practices used in cults, military training, or extreme political movements. The process can lead individuals to accept beliefs or engage in behaviors they would normally reject. It typically requires a significant alteration in perception and can have lasting effects on the individual's identity.
Synonyms
coerced, indoctrinated, manipulated, programmed.
Examples of usage
- He was brainwashed into believing a false narrative.
- The regime attempted to brainwash the population.
- She felt she had been brainwashed by the propaganda.
- Cults often brainwash their followers to control them.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'brainwashing' first became popular during the Korean War when American soldiers reported being forced to change their beliefs.
- It gained more recognition in the 1950s and 1960s as psychologists and sociologists studied techniques of persuasion and manipulation.
- The word combines 'brain' and 'wash', suggesting a cleansing of thoughts rather than literal washing.
Psychology
- Experiments have shown that social pressure and emotional manipulation can lead to significant changes in a person's beliefs.
- Techniques that can lead to brainwashing include repetition, emotional appeals, and isolation from outside influences.
- The concept is often tied to cults or highly controlling groups that use specific methods to influence members' thoughts.
Pop Culture
- Films like 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'The Manchurian Candidate' explore themes of brainwashing and mind control.
- In music, songs about manipulation and control often touch on the concept, highlighting its relevance in societal issues.
- Social media has become a new platform for 'brainwashing' as misinformation can spread rapidly, impacting public opinion.
Education
- Critical thinking education helps individuals recognize manipulative tactics and avoid being brainwashed.
- Teaching media literacy is important in schools to help students differentiate between credible information and manipulation.
- Discussions about consent and autonomy are crucial in understanding how beliefs can be shaped by external forces.
Literature
- Books on psychology and sociology have dissected the process of brainwashing, indicating its complex interplay between influence and autonomy.
- Dystopian literature often features brainwashing as a tool for governments to maintain control over the populace.
- Novels such as '1984' address themes of thought control, illustrating the extent and dangers of being brainwashed.
Origin of 'brainwashed'
The term 'brainwash' emerged during the Korean War in the early 1950s, primarily associated with accounts of the so-called 'Chinese brainwashing' techniques that American soldiers were allegedly subjected to after being captured. The term is a combination of 'brain' and 'wash,' implying a cleansing or reprogramming of the mind. It quickly entered the lexicon of the Cold War era, used to describe the way totalitarian regimes could manipulate belief systems and identities. Additionally, the term has evolved over the years to encompass various forms of psychological manipulation seen in modern society, including advertising, propaganda, and social media influences. The concept raises ethical questions about free will, autonomy, and the power of language and persuasion in shaping individual thought.