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Meaning of brainwashing
The primary meaning of the word "brainwashing" refers to the process of forcefully and persuasively changing someone's beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors, often through manipulative or coercive means.
Etymology of brainwashing
The term "brainwashing" originated in the 1950s, derived from the Chinese phrase "xi nao," which means "to wash the brain."
The concept of brainwashing emerged during the Korean War, where American prisoners of war were subjected to intensive indoctrination and psychological manipulation by their Chinese captors.
The term was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s through various books, films, and media reports, and has since become a widely recognized concept in psychology, sociology, and politics.
Synonyms
Definitions
- The process of systematically indoctrinating someone with a particular ideology, set of beliefs, or way of thinking, often using coercive or manipulative methods.
- A form of psychological manipulation that aims to alter an individual's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, often against their will or without their awareness.
- A technique used to control or influence people's minds, often for political, social, or ideological purposes.
Usage Examples
- The cult leader used brainwashing techniques to recruit and retain members, controlling their thoughts and behaviors through a combination of persuasion, coercion, and manipulation.
- The government was accused of brainwashing its citizens through propaganda and censorship, limiting their access to information and shaping their opinions on key issues.
- The prisoner of war was subjected to brainwashing by his captors, who used physical and psychological torture to break his spirit and extract sensitive information.