brainwashing
Brainwashing (noun) means the systematic use of pressure, repetition, or coercion to make someone abandon their beliefs for another set of beliefs. Example: “Former members described the group's brainwashing tactics.”
How to use brainwashing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of forcibly reshaping someone's beliefs through psychological pressure.
Word forms
brainwashings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Former members described the group's _____ tactics.
Etymology
A translation of a Chinese term literally meaning "wash brain," first used in English around 1950.
Rhymes for brainwashing
Frequently asked questions
What does “brainwashing” mean?
The word “brainwashing” means the systematic use of pressure, repetition, or coercion to make someone abandon their beliefs for another set of beliefs. In plain terms, the process of forcibly reshaping someone's beliefs through psychological pressure.
How do you use “brainwashing” in a sentence?
Here is “brainwashing” used in a sentence: “Former members described the group's brainwashing tactics.”
What part of speech is “brainwashing”?
“Brainwashing” is a noun.
Where does the word “brainwashing” come from?
The word “brainwashing” dates back to around 1950 and comes from Chinese. A translation of a Chinese term literally meaning "wash brain," first used in English around 1950.
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