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.”

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verb

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 notes

In 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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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

brainwashed past tense, brainwashes plural, brainwashes singular

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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.

Origin: Chinese

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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Words with Chinese origins C1 vocabulary words