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Brainwashing: meaning, definitions and examples

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brainwashing

 

[ ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

psychology

The process of pressurizing someone into adopting radically different beliefs by using systematic and often coercive methods.

Synonyms

indoctrination, manipulation, mind control

Examples of usage

  • They underwent brainwashing techniques to change their political views.
  • The cult used brainwashing to control the minds of its followers.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Intensive indoctrination, often with the aim of manipulating someone's thoughts or opinions.

Synonyms

conditioning, persuasion, propaganda

Examples of usage

  • The advertising campaign was accused of brainwashing consumers into buying unnecessary products.
  • They warned about the dangers of media brainwashing.

Translations

Translations of the word "brainwashing" 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 (ghaseel dimagh)

🇨🇿 vymývání mozku

🇸🇰 vymývanie mozgu

🇨🇳 洗脑 (xǐnǎo)

🇸🇮 pranje možganov

🇮🇸 heilaþvottur

🇰🇿 миыды шаю

🇬🇪 ტვინის გამორეცხვა (tvinis gamoretskhva)

🇦🇿 beyin yuma

🇲🇽 lavado de cerebro

Etymology

The term 'brainwashing' originated during the Korean War in the 1950s, when it was used to describe the Chinese Communist techniques of thought reform on American prisoners of war. It has since evolved to refer to the process of manipulating someone's beliefs or attitudes through intense psychological pressure and control tactics.

See also: brain, braincase, brainiac, brainpan, brainpower, brains, brainstorm, brainstorming, brainteaser, brainwash, brainwave, brainworm, brainy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,707 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.