inculcation

American  

[in-kuhl-key-shuhn] / ˌɪn kʌlˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of inculcating, or teaching or influencing persistently and repeatedly so as to implant or instill an idea, theory, attitude, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of inculcation

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin inculcātiōn-, stem of inculcātiō, equivalent to inculcāt(us), past participle of inculcāre “to trample, impress, stuff in” + -iō -ion ( def. ); see inculcate ( def. )

Explanation

Inculcation is the instilling of knowledge or values in someone, usually by repetition. To inculcate is to instill or impress an idea on someone, so inculcation is the process of instilling or impressing ideas. A lot of teaching is a form of inculcation: teachers repeat information to students, hoping it will sink in. Parents employ inculcation to instill values like "Don't lie" and "Have courage" in their children. Military groups also use inculcation to impress their ideas upon recruits. Any process of teaching or training is likely a form of inculcation.

Related Words

• attitude
• axiom
• belief
• concept
• creed
• dogma
• precept
• proposition
• regulation
• rule
• statement
• teaching
• tenet
• tradition