Meaning & Definition of Brainwashing in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The systematic effort to influence and change a person's beliefs or thoughts, often through psychological techniques.

  Example Sentence: The regime was accused of brainwashing its citizens to ensure loyalty.

• Definition: A process that may involve manipulation, propaganda, or severe psychological pressure.

  Example Sentence: Cult leaders are often skilled at brainwashing their followers.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: lavado de cerebro

• French: lavage de cerveau

• German: Gehirnwäsche

• Russian: промывание мозгов

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of brainwashing

• 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.