brainwashing

American  

[breyn-wosh-ing, -waw-shing] / ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ ɪŋ, -ˌwɔ ʃɪŋ /

Or brain-washing,

noun

1. a method for systematically changing attitudes or altering beliefs, originated in totalitarian countries, especially through the use of torture, drugs, or psychological-stress techniques.

2. any method of controlled systematic indoctrination, especially one based on repetition or confusion.

   brainwashing by TV commercials.

3. an instance of subjecting or being subjected to such techniques.

   efforts to halt the brainwashing of captive audiences.

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brainwashing Cultural  

1. Indoctrination that forces people to abandon their beliefs in favor of another set of beliefs. Usually associated with military and political interrogation and religious conversion, brainwashing attempts, through prolonged stress, to break down an individual's physical and mental defenses. Brainwashing techniques range from vocal persuasion and threats to punishment, physical deprivation, mind-altering drugs, and severe physical torture.

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Etymology

Origin of brainwashing

First recorded in 1945–50; brain + washing

Example Sentences

"Actually, there's brainwashing here in China too, but it's not as severe," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

"The continuing brainwashing of 'you can only play in this way', up until recently scared the living daylights out of coaches, particularly young coaches," he says.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

While acknowledging that there are still some loose threads to this theory, O’Neill suggests that Manson possibly had connections to secret government programs researching mind control and brainwashing, such as the CIA’s project MKUltra.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

As long as this public perception remains and compounds with Stake’s already shady reputation, then the brainwashing might fall flat.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2024

“It’s one of those brainwashing things,” she told me.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller