deprogram

American  

[dee-proh-gram] / diˈproʊ græm /

verb (used with object)

deprogrammed, deprogramed, deprogramming, deprograming

1. to free (a convert) from the influence of a religious cult, political indoctrination, etc., by intensive persuasion or reeducation.

2. to retrain, as for the purpose of eliminating or replacing a learned or acquired behavior pattern or habit that is undesirable or unsuitable.

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Other Word Forms

• deprogramer noun
• deprogrammer noun

Etymology

Origin of deprogram

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; de- + program

Example Sentences

Steven Hassan is one of the world's leading experts on cults and other dangerous organizations, as well as how to deprogram people who have succumbed to "mind control."

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2023

“And so my entire career has been about how to deprogram myself, so that I can capture us the way we should be.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2023

It may take you a while to figure this out, but that isn’t uncommon even when someone isn’t attempting to deprogram from the almighty RPM of an appliance.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2021

It is hard work to deprogram ourselves of institutionalized language, even for the best of those reporting on abuses in the criminal legal system, even for me at times.

From Washington Post • Sep. 18, 2020

I deprogram the air filters and open the windows.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon