Brainwashing: meaning, definitions and examples
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brainwashing
[ ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃɪŋ ]
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.
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
Word origin
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.
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- 30704 uninviting
- 30705 blanketing
- 30706 licentiate
- 30707 brainwashing
- 30708 joystick
- 30709 fuelling
- 30710 plaiting
- ...