deprogram

[ dee-proh-gram ]

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

Origin of deprogram

1
An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; de- + program

Other words from deprogram

  • de·pro·gram·mer, de·pro·gram·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024