Deprogram: meaning, definitions and examples
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deprogram
[ diːˈproʊɡræm ]
change beliefs
To deprogram means to remove or change the beliefs or thought patterns that have been instilled in someone, often through indoctrination or manipulation. This process is typically associated with helping individuals leave cults or extremist ideologies. Deprogramming may involve counseling or educational strategies aimed at restoring personal autonomy and critical thinking. It is a controversial process and can be legally and ethically debated, especially regarding consent and the methods used.
Synonyms
liberate, re-educate, redirect
Examples of usage
- The therapist helped her to deprogram from the cult's teachings.
- He underwent deprogramming to regain his own identity.
- The seminar aimed to deprogram attendees from harmful societal norms.
- She sought deprogramming after realizing the influence of the organization.
Translations
Translations of the word "deprogram" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desprogramar
🇮🇳 डि-प्रोग्राम
🇩🇪 deprogrammieren
🇮🇩 deprogram
🇺🇦 депрограмувати
🇵🇱 deprogramować
🇯🇵 デprogramする
🇫🇷 déprogrammer
🇪🇸 desprogramar
🇹🇷 deprogramlamak
🇰🇷 디프로그래밍하다
🇸🇦 إلغاء البرمجة
🇨🇿 deprogramovat
🇸🇰 deprogramovať
🇨🇳 去程序化
🇸🇮 deprogramirati
🇮🇸 afprogrammera
🇰🇿 декодтау
🇬🇪 დეპროგრამირება
🇦🇿 deprogramlaşdırmaq
🇲🇽 desprogramar
Etymology
The term 'deprogram' originated in the 1970s, emerging from the context of cults and mind control dynamics. The prefix 'de-' signifies removal or reversal, while 'program' refers to the instilled beliefs or conditioned responses that individuals have been subjected to. As various sociological theories began to explore the influence of cults on individuals, the deprogramming process was developed to counteract these influences by encouraging critical thinking and autonomy. Over time, deprogramming gained a foothold in popular culture, with its discussions penetrating various facets of society, including psychology, religion, and politics. The evolution of the word reflects broader societal concerns regarding personal freedom, manipulation, and the psychological impact of group dynamics.