brainwash

American  

[breyn-wosh, -wawsh] / ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ, -ˌwɔʃ /

Or brain-wash,

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (someone) to undergo brainwashing.

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noun

1. the process of brainwashing.

2. a subjection to brainwashing.

brainwash British  

/ ˈbreɪnˌwɒʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to effect a radical change in the ideas and beliefs of (a person), esp by methods based on isolation, sleeplessness, hunger, extreme discomfort, pain, and the alternation of kindness and cruelty

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Other Word Forms

• brainwasher noun
• brainwashing noun

Etymology

Origin of brainwash

First recorded in 1950–55; back formation from brainwashing

Example Sentences

They have been brainwashed into thinking it's not just 'the right way' to play, it's also 'the only way' - but there are many pitfalls to this approach and my priorities were always very different.

From BBC

"The continuing brainwashing of 'you can only play in this way', up until recently scared the living daylights out of coaches, particularly young coaches," he says.

From BBC

Cult members who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults, with victims saying the group used occult writings and practices to "brainwash" them and justify their abuse.

From BBC

This notion posits that large portions of the American electorate are systematically brainwashed by Fox News, the Sinclair Broadcast Group and other Republican propaganda organs.

From Salon

The court has previously heard some of Mr Brain's alleged victims told police they felt they had been "brainwashed" and "groomed" by him.

From BBC

Related Words

• educate
• indoctrinate