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Meaning of brainwash
The primary meaning of the word "brainwash" is to forcefully or coercively persuade someone to adopt a particular ideology or belief.
Etymology of brainwash
The word "brainwash" originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the Chinese term "xi nao", which literally means "wash brain", and was used to describe the coercive methods used by the Chinese Communist Party to persuade or force prisoners of war to adopt communist ideologies.
The term gained popularity during the Korean War, where it was used to describe the treatment of American prisoners of war by their Chinese and North Korean captors.
Synonyms
Definitions
- Oxford Languages defines "brainwash" as a verb meaning to forcibly or coercively persuade someone to adopt radically different beliefs by using systematic and often coercive methods, or as a noun referring to the process of doing this.
- The term can also refer to a person who has been subjected to such persuasion.
Usage Examples
- The cult leader was accused of brainwashing his followers into committing violent acts.
- The government was criticized for trying to brainwash the public with propaganda about the benefits of the new policy.
- After being captured, the soldier was subjected to brainwashing techniques by his captors in an attempt to extract sensitive information.