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

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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 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 This is Granny Goodness, another servant of Darkseid who trains elite soldiers for her lord using a combination of sadism, torture, and brainwashing. — James Grebey, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2021 In some cases, deprogrammers would kidnap a group member, detain them for hours or days, and use arguments and videos to try to undo the brainwashing. — Michael Schulson/undark, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2021 Reyes said lawyers who wish to make a case for brainwashing or political radicalization would have to demonstrate that their clients have a strong enough mental disability to prevent them from knowing right from wrong. — Kevin Krause, Dallas News, 31 Jan. 2021

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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Last Updated

28 Aug 2021

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“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainwashing. Accessed 23 Sep. 2021.

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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