indoctrination
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.”
How to use indoctrination
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTeaching someone to accept ideas without question, rather than letting them think for themselves.
Usually carries a negative tone — implies one-sided teaching, unlike neutral "education" or "training."
Word forms
indoctrinations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The regime relied on years of _____ to keep the population loyal.
Etymology
First recorded in 1646, from indoctrinate plus -ion.
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.