Indoctrination: meaning, definitions and examples

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indoctrination

[ɪnˌdɒk.trɪˈneɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

education

The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, without questioning or analyzing them.

Synonyms

brainwashing, conditioning, propaganda.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indoctrination	This term is often used to describe the process of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. It is commonly applied in educational or religious contexts but isn't necessarily negative. The children received a strict indoctrination into the community's religious beliefs. Indoctrination sessions were held to instill loyalty to the organization.
brainwashing	Used to describe a coercive method of changing someone's beliefs or attitudes, often through manipulation and psychological pressure. This word has a strong negative connotation. The hostages were subjected to brainwashing during their captivity. The cult leader was accused of brainwashing his followers.
propaganda	Often used to describe biased or misleading information disseminated to promote a particular political cause or point of view. This term usually carries a negative connotation. The regime used propaganda to sway public opinion in its favor. The wartime government released propaganda to boost morale.
conditioning	This term is usually used in psychology and behavioral science to describe the process of training or adapting behavior through reinforcement or punishment. It does not carry a negative connotation. The dog was trained through conditioning to respond to commands. Classical conditioning was used to teach the subject a new response to a stimulus.

Examples of usage

Indoctrination is often used by totalitarian regimes to control the population.
Children are vulnerable to indoctrination from a young age.
The cult leader used indoctrination techniques to manipulate his followers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religion

The act of teaching someone to accept beliefs and principles of a particular group, especially a religious or political one.

Synonyms

instruction, persuasion, teaching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indoctrination	Indoctrination is used when someone is being taught to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. It usually has a negative connotation, as it implies a manipulative or forceful teaching process. The totalitarian regime used indoctrination to ensure that the citizens adopted their ideology. Studies have shown how careful indoctrination can deeply affect young minds.
teaching	Teaching is the act of imparting knowledge or skills to someone. It can refer to formal education in schools or informal learning at home. It generally carries a positive connotation and implies a supportive, educational environment. Her teaching methods are innovative and engaging. Teaching children to read is a rewarding experience.
instruction	Instruction refers to the process of teaching or providing knowledge, usually in an educational or training context. It is neutral and doesn't carry a negative connotation. She provided clear instructions on how to complete the project. The online course offered detailed instruction in web development.
persuasion	Persuasion involves convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the intent. After much persuasion, he finally agreed to join the club. The ad campaign was designed to use persuasive techniques to attract more customers.

Examples of usage

Indoctrination in religious schools is common.
The guru focused on indoctrination of his disciples.
Political indoctrination can be seen in many societies.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'indoctrination' originates from the Latin word 'doctrina,' meaning teaching or instruction, which has evolved to imply a one-sided form of learning.
The concept has been linked to various political and religious movements throughout history, where it was used to unify followers under a singular belief system.
During the 20th century, the term gained popularity in discussions about totalitarian regimes and the ways they controlled public thought.

Psychology

Research shows that indoctrination can lead to cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile their ingrained beliefs with new evidence or opposing views.
Children are particularly susceptible to indoctrination because their critical thinking skills are still developing, making them more likely to accept information from authority figures as truth.
Certain psychological techniques, such as repetition and emotional appeals, are often employed in the process to reinforce specific beliefs.

Education

Indoctrination contrasts with critical pedagogy, where educators encourage students to question and challenge learned ideas rather than accept them passively.
In some educational systems, policies can inadvertently foster indoctrination by promoting a narrow curriculum that emphasizes particular historical or ideological perspectives.
Debates about the role of indoctrination in education continue, especially concerning discussions around topics like freedom of speech and academic neutrality.

Pop Culture

Movies and books often explore themes of indoctrination, depicting characters who struggle against societal norms that demand conformity of belief.
Popular dystopian narratives, such as '1984' or 'The Handmaid's Tale,' illustrate the dangers of indoctrination in controlling thought and suppressing individuality.
Reality television shows sometimes create environments that can lead to forms of emotional indoctrination, influencing participants' beliefs and behaviors over time.

Technology

The rise of social media has raised concerns about digital indoctrination, where algorithms reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives.
Certain online communities or extremist groups utilize indoctrination techniques to recruit and radicalize individuals through persuasive online content.
Virtual reality experiences are beginning to be explored as tools for indoctrination, presenting immersive scenarios that can shape beliefs and perceptions.

Translations

Translations of the word "indoctrination" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doutrinação

🇮🇳 अनुशासन

🇩🇪 Indoktrination

🇮🇩 indoktrinasi

🇺🇦 індоктринація

🇵🇱 indoktrynacja

🇯🇵 洗脳（せんのう）

🇫🇷 endocrinement

🇪🇸 adoctrinamiento

🇹🇷 indoktrinasyon

🇰🇷 세뇌 (세뇌)

🇸🇦 تلقين

🇨🇿 indoktrinace

🇸🇰 indoktrinácia

🇨🇳 洗脑 (xǐnǎo)

🇸🇮 indoktrinacija

🇮🇸 innræting

🇰🇿 үгіттеу

🇬🇪 ინდოქტრინაცია

🇦🇿 indoctrinasiya

🇲🇽 adoctrinamiento

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,818, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20815 salvaged
20816 alligator
20817 riotous
20818 indoctrination
20819 intertidal
20820 hurl
20821 availing
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