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

In a totalitarian sci-fi world, a hammer thrown by a young athlete smashes a "Big Brother" figure declaiming to brainwashed citizens from a vast screen.

From Barron's

"Actually, there's brainwashing here in China too, but it's not as severe," he said.

From Barron's

"It means they're willing to die but not let the regime fall - because they think its fall means the end of their religion. That's how effectively the regime does brainwashing."

From BBC

The story involved Cold War brainwashing and the development and testing of atomic weapons.

From BBC

In extracts from his forthcoming book, published by the Times on Friday, Tom Bower claims Queen Camilla told a friend Meghan had "brainwashed" Prince Harry.

From BBC

Related Words

• educate
• indoctrinate