brainwash

Or brain-wash,

[breyn-wosh, -wawsh]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (someone) to undergo brainwashing.

noun

1. the process of brainwashing.

2. a subjection to brainwashing.

brainwash

/ ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ /

verb

1. (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

Other Word Forms

• brainwasher noun
• brainwashing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainwash¹

First recorded in 1950–55; back formation from brainwashing

Example Sentences

"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.

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Cult members who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults, with victims saying the group used occult writings and practices to "brainwash" them and justify their abuse.

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This notion posits that large portions of the American electorate are systematically brainwashed by Fox News, the Sinclair Broadcast Group and other Republican propaganda organs.

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The court has previously heard some of Mr Brain's alleged victims told police they felt they had been "brainwashed" and "groomed" by him.

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It involves brainwashing designed to isolate, control and exploit followers.

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Related Words

• educate 
• indoctrinate