deprogram

American  

[dee-proh-gram] / diˈproʊ græm /

verb (used with object)

deprogrammed, deprogramed, deprogramming, deprograming.

1. to free (a convert) from the influence of a religious cult, political indoctrination, etc., by intensive persuasion or reeducation.

2. to retrain, as for the purpose of eliminating or replacing a learned or acquired behavior pattern or habit that is undesirable or unsuitable.

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Other Word Forms

• deprogramer noun
• deprogrammer noun

Etymology

Origin of deprogram

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

Example Sentences

“We have to kind of deprogram people and help them understand that’s not really the way it works.”

From New York Times

But critics say those nuances are not captured on the show, where she uses terms like “brainwashed” and “deprogram” to describe ultra-Orthodox life in Monsey in ways that suggest it is more a cult than a personal choice.

From New York Times

“I feel we have to deprogram these people who refuse to get vaccinated,” he said.

From New York Times

It may take you a while to figure this out, but that isn’t uncommon even when someone isn’t attempting to deprogram from the almighty RPM of an appliance.

From Slate

“But the country has changed, the population is young, and the Taliban will not suddenly be able to deprogram people and tell them the world is flat when they know that it is not.”

From New York Times