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

In the past, Israel has dismissed Hamas statements on the deaths of hostages as psychological warfare.

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