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

Toss it on, let the bops bop, and maybe help deprogram your local Disney adult.

From Salon • Jun. 28, 2025

“And so my entire career has been about how to deprogram myself, so that I can capture us the way we should be.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2023

“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 • Aug. 30, 2021

It is hard work to deprogram ourselves of institutionalized language, even for the best of those reporting on abuses in the criminal legal system, even for me at times.

From Washington Post • Sep. 18, 2020

I deprogram the air filters and open the windows.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon