psychological warfare

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.

psychological warfare

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of psychological warfare¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

It must focus on weakening the regime’s internal stability through economic pressure, covert action and psychological warfare aimed at eroding the leadership’s confidence and sowing divisions within.

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"They want to play to the regime's fears of losing control as part of their psychological warfare," says Anshel Pfeffer, Israel Correspondent at The Economist and author of a biography of Netanyahu.

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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."

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It said Hamas remained "firm in its refusal and has not budged a millimetre," accusing the group of "manipulation and psychological warfare".

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Israeli officials have previously described the release of such videos by Hamas as psychological warfare.

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