verb
C1
Advanced
brainwash
BRAYN-wosh
Brainwash (verb) means to forcibly and systematically pressure someone into abandoning their existing beliefs and adopting new ones. Example: “The cult tried to brainwash new members within days of joining.”
verb
1
To forcibly and systematically pressure someone into abandoning their existing beliefs and adopting new ones.
"The cult tried to brainwash new members within days of joining."
"She felt like the constant propaganda was designed to brainwash the public."
How to use brainwash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo manipulate someone into changing their beliefs through intense, repeated pressure rather than honest persuasion.
Common pairings
brainwashed into
brainwash the masses
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Word forms
- Plural
- brainwashes
- Third person singular
- brainwashes
- Past tense
- brainwashed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cult tried to _____ new members within days of joining.
Etymology
A literal translation of a Chinese phrase meaning "wash brain," which entered English usage during the Korean War.
Frequently asked questions
What does “brainwash” mean?
The word “brainwash” means to forcibly and systematically pressure someone into abandoning their existing beliefs and adopting new ones. In plain terms, to manipulate someone into changing their beliefs through intense, repeated pressure rather than honest persuasion.
How do you pronounce “brainwash”?
“Brainwash” is pronounced BRAYN-wosh (/ˈbɹeɪnwɒʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “brainwash” in a sentence?
Here is “brainwash” used in a sentence: “The cult tried to brainwash new members within days of joining.”
What part of speech is “brainwash”?
“Brainwash” is a verb.
Where does the word “brainwash” come from?
The word “brainwash” comes from Chinese. A literal translation of a Chinese phrase meaning "wash brain," which entered English usage during the Korean War.
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