Indoctrinated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indoctrinated

[ษชnหˆdษ’ktrษชneษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

belief formation

The term 'indoctrinated' refers to the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. It often implies a one-sided approach to the dissemination of information, where alternative viewpoints are not considered. Indoctrination can occur in various contexts, including religious, political, and educational environments. The goal is typically to instill specific beliefs or ideologies in individuals, which they may accept without question or critical analysis.

Synonyms

brainwashed, conditioned, instructed, trained.

Examples of usage

  • The cult's members were thoroughly indoctrinated into its teachings.
  • Children can be indoctrinated with political ideologies from a young age.
  • The organization's mission is to indoctrinate its recruits with a sense of loyalty.
  • The propaganda aimed to indoctrinate the population against the opposing party.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotional attachment to beliefs can lead to indoctrination, making people resistant to new ideas or information.
  • Cognitive dissonance often occurs during indoctrination, where individuals experience discomfort when faced with conflicting beliefs.

Education

  • Some educational systems can unintentionally indoctrinate students by presenting biased information as absolute truth.
  • Critical thinking skills are essential in education to prevent indoctrination by encouraging questioning and analysis.

Politics

  • Political indoctrination can happen in authoritarian regimes, where dissenting views are often suppressed to maintain control.
  • Propaganda is a common tool for indoctrination, shaping public perception and beliefs through relentless media messaging.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict characters being indoctrinated, showcasing the struggle between personal beliefs and imposed ideologies.
  • The concept of indoctrination plays a significant role in many dystopian narratives, where society's rules dominate individual thought.

Origin of 'indoctrinated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'doctrina,' meaning 'teaching,' combined with the prefix 'in-' which means 'into' or 'in.'
  • It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century, originally referring to teaching or instruction.

The word 'indoctrinated' is derived from the Latin root 'indoctrinare', which means 'to teach'. This root comprises 'in-', meaning 'into' or 'on', and 'doctrina', meaning 'teaching' or 'instruction'. The transition from Latin to English took place in the 17th century, where the term began to be used to describe the instruction in a specific doctrine or belief system. Over time, its connotation evolved, often carrying a negative implication of manipulative or coercive education aimed at suppressing individual critical thinking. Today, the term is frequently associated with discussions around political and religious extremism, where individuals may adopt extreme beliefs without question due to systematic indoctrination practices.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,812, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.