deprogram

American  

[dee-proh-gram] / diˈproʊ græm /

verb (used with object)

deprogrammed, deprogramed, deprogramming, deprograming

1. to free (a convert) from the influence of a religious cult, political indoctrination, etc., by intensive persuasion or reeducation.

2. to retrain, as for the purpose of eliminating or replacing a learned or acquired behavior pattern or habit that is undesirable or unsuitable.

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Other Word Forms

• deprogramer noun
• deprogrammer noun

Etymology

Origin of deprogram

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; de- + program

Example Sentences

How do we deprogram ourselves when we think about the crisis in masculinity, starting with a crisis for men and boys of color in particular?

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2022

“It takes a lot for someone, once they’ve been indoctrinated, to deprogram them, and that’s a lot of what the story is about,” said Williams.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2022

It may take you a while to figure this out, but that isn’t uncommon even when someone isn’t attempting to deprogram from the almighty RPM of an appliance.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2021

“I thought it was time to deprogram that thought.”

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2021

I deprogram the air filters and open the windows.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon