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

“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

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

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2022

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

This may change over time as the Athletic’s writers and editors deprogram from a life of publishing game stories on deadline, something several staffers told me they hope will occur.

From Slate • Sep. 6, 2018

I deprogram the air filters and open the windows.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon