deprogram

verb

de·​pro·​gram (ˌ)dē-ˈprō-ˌgram 

-grəm

deprogramed or deprogrammed; deprograming or deprogramming; deprograms

transitive verb

: to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (such as religious beliefs) or a firmly established or innate behavior

the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinated

—Toni Cade Bambara

deprogrammer

(ˌ)dē-ˈprō-ˌgra-mər 

-grə-

noun

Examples of deprogram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From the director of American Psycho, Mary Harron’s Charlie Says revolves around writer Karlene Faith’s (Merritt Wever) attempt to deprogram former female members of the Manson Family. —Will Harris, EW.com, 30 July 2024

The actor stars as the chimp Noa in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Owen Teague had to deprogram his animal side after transforming into a young chimp for his latest role. —Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

Ramer is political director for the Republican Accountability Project, a group working to deprogram members of the Cult of Trump. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2023

Last year, Saudi officials informed me that the crown prince had a new plan to deprogram jihadists. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2022

We’re left with Eugene in deep trouble, the mystery of the Commonwealth deepening, and a likely heartbreaking end to Daryl’s attempt to deprogram Leah. —Richard Rys, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2021

Jeffery Robinson has spent the past decade attempting to deprogram his fellow Americans. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Jan. 2022

That was lesson number one for me: never let an opportunity to deprogram inbuilt fears that stunt your personal growth pass you by. —Essence, 30 July 2021

There, T’Challa’s sister, science wiz Shuri (Letitia Wright), figures out how to deprogram Bucky’s brainwashed brain. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 19 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

deprogram

transitive verb

de·​pro·​gram

variants or chiefly British deprogramme

(ˌ)dē-ˈprō-ˌgram, -grəm

deprogrammed also deprogramed; deprogramming also deprograming

: to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (as of a religious nature) or a firmly established or innate behavior pattern

the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinated

—Toni Cade Bambara