Meaning & Definition of word "Brainwashing"

Brainwashing

/ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃɪŋ/

1. The process of deliberately influencing someone's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through manipulative techniques, often involving pressure, coercion, or propaganda.
- Example: Many cults employ brainwashing techniques to control the thoughts and actions of their members.
2. The act or process of conditioning someone to accept a set of beliefs or behaviors as true or acceptable, often disregarding critical thinking.
- Example: The documentary explored the brainwashing methods used in totalitarian regimes.
3. A systematic effort to persuade someone to change their ideas or beliefs, often through unethical means.
- Example: Critics argue that the political campaign engaged in brainwashing to sway voters.

Coined in the 1950s, combining 'brain' and 'washing,' referring to cleaning the mind of previous beliefs.

thought control:

The act of influencing or controlling someone's thinking.

mind manipulation:

The act of controlling or influencing someone's thoughts through psychological techniques.

indoctrination:

The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

manipulation:

Controlling someone or something to your advantage, often in a deceptive way.

Meaning: Brain fry

Example Sentence: After the relentless commercials, I felt like my brain was fried from all the brainwashing.

Meaning: Mental reprogramming

Example Sentence: He said it was just mental reprogramming, but I felt it was more like brainwashing.