brainwashing

brain·wash·ing

noun \ˈbrān-ˌwȯ-shiŋ, -ˌwä-\

Definition of BRAINWASHING

1

: a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas

2

: persuasion by propaganda or salesmanship

— brain·wash transitive verb

— brainwash noun

— brain·wash·er noun

Origin of BRAINWASHING

translation of Chinese (Beijing) xǐnǎo

First Known Use: 1950

brain·wash·ing

noun \ˈbrān-ˌwȯsh-iŋ, -ˌwäsh-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BRAINWASHING

: a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas

—brain·wash transitive verb

—brainwash noun

—brain·wash·er noun

brainwashing

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Systematic effort to destroy an individual's former loyalties and beliefs and to substitute loyalty to a new ideology or power. It has been used by religious cults as well as by radical political groups. The techniques of brainwashing usually involve isolation from former associates and sources of information; an exacting regimen calling for absolute obedience and humility; strong social pressures and rewards for cooperation; physical and psychological punishments for noncooperation, including social ostracism and criticism, deprivation of food, sleep, and social contacts, bondage, and torture; and constant reinforcement. Its effects are sometimes reversed through deprogramming, which combines confrontation and intensive psychotherapy.