brainwashing

American  

[breyn-wosh-ing, -waw-shing] / ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ ɪŋ, -ˌwɔ ʃɪŋ /

Or brain-washing,

noun

1. a method for systematically changing attitudes or altering beliefs, originated in totalitarian countries, especially through the use of torture, drugs, or psychological-stress techniques.

2. any method of controlled systematic indoctrination, especially one based on repetition or confusion.

   brainwashing by TV commercials.

3. an instance of subjecting or being subjected to such techniques.

   efforts to halt the brainwashing of captive audiences.

---

brainwashing Cultural  

1. Indoctrination that forces people to abandon their beliefs in favor of another set of beliefs. Usually associated with military and political interrogation and religious conversion, brainwashing attempts, through prolonged stress, to break down an individual's physical and mental defenses. Brainwashing techniques range from vocal persuasion and threats to punishment, physical deprivation, mind-altering drugs, and severe physical torture.

---

Etymology

Origin of brainwashing

First recorded in 1945–50; brain + washing

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Shakespeare put all his understanding of human nature into Iago’s brainwashing master class.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

"It’s absolutely textbook. In fact, they have to do that for this machine that is cultic brainwashing to work," she says.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

She is devout to her steadfast values and her righteousness even though it would be easier to submit to the brainwashing of the prophecy.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2024

My father says he doesn’t believe in brainwashing children.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood