brainwash

American  

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

Or brain-wash,

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (someone) to undergo brainwashing.

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noun

1. the process of brainwashing.

2. a subjection to brainwashing.

brainwash British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• brainwasher
  noun
• brainwashing
  noun

Etymology

Origin of brainwash

First recorded in 1950–55; back formation from brainwashing

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

The credited artist is Thierry Guetta, also known as Mr. Brainwash, whose entire rise to art world prominence was famously contrived by the street artist Banksy in the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

The name of the stadium comes from Brainwash Hairdressers, a national chain in the Netherlands that has a three-year sponsorship deal.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2013

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

A portrait of the Rolling Stones by Los Angeles artist Mr. Brainwash, who specializes in works made from broken records, fetched the top bid of $105,000, well above its $80,000 listed value.

From Reuters • May 7, 2010

Related Words

• educate
• indoctrinate