deprogram

[dee-proh-gram]

verb (used with object), de·pro·grammed or de·pro·gramed, de·pro·gram·ming or de·pro·gram·ing.

to free (a convert) from the influence of a religious cult, political indoctrination, etc., by intensive persuasion or reeducation.
to retrain, as for the purpose of eliminating or replacing a learned or acquired behavior pattern or habit that is undesirable or unsuitable.

Origin of deprogram

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

Related formsde·pro·gram·mer, de·pro·gram·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Established in 2004, its aim is to deprogram Chinese teenagers—mostly boys—who suffer from an “Internet addiction.”
‘Web Junkie’ Is a Harrowing Documentary on China’s Internet Addiction Rehab Clinics
Marlow Stern
January 20, 2014

Word Origin and History for deprogram

"release from cult brainwashing," 1973, from de- + program (v.). Related: Deprogrammed; deprogramming.

deprogram in Medicine

[dē-prō′grăm′, -grəm]

To counteract or try to counteract the effect of an indoctrination, especially a religious or cult indoctrination.