brainwashing

noun

brain·wash·ing | \ 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

Other Words from brainwashing Example Sentences Learn More About brainwashing

Other Words from brainwashing

brainwash \ ˈbrān-ˌwȯsh

, -ˌwäsh \ transitive verb

brainwash noun

brainwasher noun

Examples of brainwashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Meditation is self-brainwashing aimed at taming your monkey mind. — John Horgan, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2021 There is an exegesis on brainwashing and transcriptions of psychotherapy sessions; there are echoes and doublings. — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2022 My work deals with capitalism, consumerism, brainwashing, and the idea of a Black body, and how the Black body is being seen today. — Rayna Reid, Essence, 1 Dec. 2021 Dark Persuasion suggests that the language of brainwashing is incommensurate with the problems of our time, and a hangover from the era of America’s most paranoid wars. — Jo Livingstone, The New Republic, 17 Aug. 2021 The problem is the popular use of the word is often used to describe authoritarian groups that practice mind control or brainwashing. — Mathew Schmalz, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2021 After some kick-ass action, Barnes seems to be at least partially released of his brainwashing by the action of the film. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2021 And how strange things that can happen between human beings, and the mechanism, brainwashing and all that. — Risa Sarachan, Forbes, 13 May 2021 Shuri, the sister of the Black Panther/King T’Challa of Wakanda, helped Bucky overcome his brainwashing. — Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brainwashing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainwashing. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for brainwashing

brainwashing

noun

brain·wash·ing | \ ˈbrān-ˌwȯsh-iŋ, -ˌwäsh-

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

Other Words from brainwashing

brainwash transitive verb

brainwash noun

brainwasher noun