noun
indoctrination
ihn-dokt-rih-NAYSHN
Indoctrination (noun) means the process of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often repeatedly and without allowing for other viewpoints. Example: “The regime relied on years of indoctrination to keep the population loyal.”
noun
1
The process of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often repeatedly and without allowing for other viewpoints.
"The regime relied on years of indoctrination to keep the population loyal."
"Critics accused the program of indoctrination rather than education."
How to use indoctrination
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTeaching someone to accept ideas without question, rather than letting them think for themselves.
Common mistake
Usually carries a negative tone — implies one-sided teaching, unlike neutral "education" or "training."
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Word forms
- Plural
- indoctrinations
Fill the gap
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The regime relied on years of _____ to keep the population loyal.
Etymology
First recorded in 1646, from indoctrinate plus -ion.
Class of 1646
indoctrination joined the language around 1646.
See the full Class of 1646 →
Rhymes for indoctrination
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for indoctrination →
Frequently asked questions
What does “indoctrination” mean?
The word “indoctrination” means the process of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often repeatedly and without allowing for other viewpoints. In plain terms, teaching someone to accept ideas without question, rather than letting them think for themselves.
How do you pronounce “indoctrination”?
“Indoctrination” is pronounced ihn-dokt-rih-NAYSHN (/ɪnˌdɑktrəˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “indoctrination” in a sentence?
Here is “indoctrination” used in a sentence: “The regime relied on years of indoctrination to keep the population loyal.”
What part of speech is “indoctrination”?
“Indoctrination” is a noun.
Where does the word “indoctrination” come from?
The word “indoctrination” dates back to around 1646. First recorded in 1646, from indoctrinate plus -ion.
