psychological warfare

American  

noun

1. the use of propaganda, threats, and other psychological techniques to mislead, intimidate, demoralize, or otherwise influence the thinking or behavior of an opponent.

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psychological warfare British  

noun

1. the military application of psychology, esp to propaganda and attempts to influence the morale of enemy and friendly groups in time of war

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Etymology

Origin of psychological warfare

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

One border region, Ganghwa county, said in a statement: "We hope this decision will lead to an end to North Korea's noise-based psychological warfare, allowing our residents to return to their normal daily lives."

From BBC

Mr Nasrallah said it was part of Hezbollah’s “psychological warfare” against its enemy.

From BBC

Flying balloons with propaganda leaflets and other items is one of the most common types of psychological warfare the two Koreas launched against each other during the Cold War.

From Seattle Times

The Army’s psychological warfare soldiers are using their brand of mental combat to bring in what the service needs: recruits.

From Seattle Times

The assertion is just “psychological warfare,” says one Lebanese expert on the militant group.

From New York Times