Brainwashing: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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