brainwashing

noun

brain·​wash·​ing ˈbrān-ˌwȯ-shiŋ How to pronounce brainwashing (audio)
-ˌwä-
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
brainwash transitive verb
brainwash noun
brainwasher noun

Examples of brainwashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In another encouraging sign, the bot was unable to talk people out of beliefs in conspiracies that were actually true, such as the CIA’s covert MK-Ultra project that used unwitting subjects to test whether drugs, torture or brainwashing could enhance interrogations. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024 Someone activates the long-dormant brainwashing in super-soldier Isaiah Bradley (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Carl Lumbly), who then attacks the president, revealing Ross' inner circle has been compromised and there's an international incident on their hands. Nick Romano, EW.com, 29 July 2024 Back then, the majority of people supported this policy, either from fear, years of brainwashing, or habitual obedience to the government. Su Cici, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2016 According to teens who have been rescued from one of these camps, children are being subjected to out-and-out brainwashing. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brainwashing 

Word History

Etymology

translation of Chinese (Beijing) xǐnǎo

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brainwashing was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near brainwashing

Cite this Entry

“Brainwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brainwashing. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

brainwashing

noun
brain·​wash·​ing ˈbrān-ˌwȯsh-iŋ, -ˌwäsh- How to pronounce brainwashing (audio)
: a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas
brainwash transitive verb
brainwash noun
brainwasher noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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