Synonyms

brainwash

American

[breyn-wosh, -wawsh] / ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ, -ˌwɔʃ /

Or brain-wash,

verb (used with object)

to cause (someone) to undergo brainwashing.

noun

the process of brainwashing.
a subjection to brainwashing.

brainwash British

/ ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ /

verb

(tr) to effect a radical change in the ideas and beliefs of (a person), esp by methods based on isolation, sleeplessness, hunger, extreme discomfort, pain, and the alternation of kindness and cruelty

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of brainwash

First recorded in 1950–55; back formation from brainwashing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But artists like Mr. Brainwash have profited generously from street art.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

The opportunity to write, produce and record a song with songwriter Justin Tranter went for $21,000; a piece of artwork by the artist Mr. Brainwash was snapped up by Tranter himself for $14,500.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2017

LA-based artist Thierry Guetta, aka Mr Brainwash, made famous in the Banksy documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop, talks about putting on his first UK show in London.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2012

Five other TV-length tales of hip hop star will.i.am, Canadian comedian Russell Peters, DJ Girl Talk, ballerina Misty Copeland and artist Mr. Brainwash will roll out weekly.

From Reuters • Aug. 17, 2011

The portraits were commissions, made by Thierry Guetta, an artist also known as Mr. Brainwash.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2010

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023