brainwashing

or brain-wash·ing, brain wash·ing

[ breyn-wosh-ing, -waw-shing ]

noun

1. a method for systematically changing attitudes or altering beliefs, originated in totalitarian countries, especially through the use of torture, drugs, or psychological-stress techniques.
2. any method of controlled systematic indoctrination, especially one based on repetition or confusion:

   brainwashing by TV commercials.

3. an instance of subjecting or being subjected to such techniques:

   efforts to halt the brainwashing of captive audiences.

brainwashing

1. Indoctrination that forces people to abandon their beliefs in favor of another set of beliefs. Usually associated with military and political interrogation and religious conversion, brainwashing attempts, through prolonged stress, to break down an individual's physical and mental defenses. Brainwashing techniques range from vocal persuasion and threats to punishment, physical deprivation, mind-altering drugs, and severe physical torture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brainwashing¹

First recorded in 1945–50; brain + washing

Example Sentences

“Founded in 1999 on the heels of the Satanic ‘panic’ and growing steadily ever since, Infowars has distinguished itself as an invaluable tool for brainwashing and controlling the masses,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

She directed the 2015 documentary "The Brainwashing of My Dad."

From Salon

As long as this public perception remains and compounds with Stake’s already shady reputation, then the brainwashing might fall flat.

From Slate

My former Salon colleague Matthew Sheffield pointed out on election night that “The average American is surrounded by partisan brainwashing media. There are now 7 right-wing infotainment channels and 1 MSNBC.”

From Salon

"It’s absolutely textbook. In fact, they have to do that for this machine that is cultic brainwashing to work," she says.

From BBC