brainwash

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ˈbɹeɪnwɒʃ/ See IPA manual

Freq #30309

Meanings

1

verb
To force someone to accept new beliefs by using strong pressure over a long time.

The cult brainwashed its members into cutting off their families.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Word family

Forms brainwashedbrainwashes

Derived forms brainwashablebrainwashednessbrainwasheebrainwasherbrainwashyunbrainwash

Etymology

From brain + wash, a calque of Chinese 洗腦 /洗脑 (xǐnǎo), literally to wash the brain. Usage via U.S. military during the Korean War.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

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