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Brainwashing: meaning, definitions and examples

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brainwashing

 

[ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brainwashing

Often used in contexts where an individual or group is forcefully manipulated to adopt certain beliefs or behaviors, usually through coercion, intense pressure, or systematic propaganda. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The cult was accused of brainwashing its members.
  • The documentary exposed the brainwashing techniques used by the organization.
indoctrination

Typically used in situations where teaching or inculcation of a particular ideology, doctrine, or viewpoint occurs, often in a more systematic and institutionalized manner. It may not always carry a negative connotation.

  • Children in the school were subject to heavy political indoctrination.
  • The indoctrination program aimed to instill patriotism in new recruits.
manipulation

Manipulation refers to the act of unfairly controlling or influencing someone, usually for the manipulator's advantage. The term often carries a negative implication of deceit and unethical behavior.

  • His manipulation of the facts was evident in the presentation.
  • She realized she had been a victim of his emotional manipulation.
mind control

Used in contexts discussing extreme psychological influence over a person's thinking, decisions, and actions, often involving advanced techniques and perceived as highly intrusive and unethical. It has a distinctly negative connotation.

  • The thriller movie explored themes of mind control and psychological warfare.
  • Reports suggested that the secretive organization could practice 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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brainwashing

Used to describe a process where someone is forcefully indoctrinated to abandon their beliefs and accept new ones, often in a manipulative or unethical way. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • After months in the sect, he underwent intense brainwashing and completely changed his worldview
propaganda

Used to describe biased or misleading information spread to promote a political cause or point of view. It has a negative connotation and is often associated with manipulation and exaggeration.

  • During the war, propaganda posters were used to boost morale and support for the troops
conditioning

Refers to a psychological process where behavior is modified through training or repeated exposure. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts, especially in discussions about behavioral psychology.

  • The dog learned to sit through conditioning, receiving treats every time he obeyed
persuasion

This term is generally positive and involves convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or appeal. It's often used in discussions about communication and influence.

  • His speech was aimed at persuasion, hoping to gain more supporters for the cause

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated during the Korean War when American soldiers were forced to change their beliefs.
  • An influential book on the topic, 'Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism', was published in 1956, examining how intense psychological pressure can alter beliefs.
  • The Chinese expression 'xǐ nǎo' literally means 'wash brain', which was used to describe the indoctrination methods used during the Cultural Revolution.

Psychology

  • Techniques often involve social pressure, emotional appeals, and persuasive communication strategies.
  • Studies show that repeated exposure to certain messages can significantly alter an individual's attitudes and beliefs over time.
  • The phenomenon of cognitive dissonance helps explain why people adjust their beliefs when faced with conflicting information.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'A Clockwork Orange' explore themes of mind control and anti-heroism, hinting at the dark side of changing thoughts.
  • The term has been used in various songs and literature to discuss manipulation and loss of individuality.
  • Reality TV shows often showcase aspects related to brainwashing, as contestants undergo intense pressure to conform to group dynamics.

Politics

  • Political propaganda often employs brainwashing techniques to persuade voters, especially during elections.
  • Totalitarian regimes typically use indoctrination strategies to control populations and suppress dissenting opinions.
  • Cult organizations are notorious for using brainwashing to recruit and retain followers, often isolating them from outside influences.

Technology

  • Social media algorithms can manipulate user beliefs through echo chambers, creating environments where only like-minded views are reinforced.
  • The concept of 'fake news' exploits brainwashing principles by spreading misinformation to sway public opinion.
  • Virtual reality is being studied for its potential in both therapy and manipulation, showing how immersive experiences can alter perceptions.

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

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.