What is brainwash? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of brainwash

brainwashverb
Nút não
/ˈbreɪnwɒʃ//ˈbreɪnwɔːʃ/

Where does the word brainwash come from?

The term "brainwash" emerged during the Korean War (1950-1953). While the exact origin is debated, it likely arose from the perceived forced indoctrination of American prisoners of war by the Chinese. The term itself combines "brain" with "wash," implying a forceful cleansing or alteration of someone's thoughts. It became popularized in the West as a metaphor for propaganda and ideological manipulation. While the term initially held a specific historical context, it has since evolved into a broader term for any forceful or persuasive attempt to change someone's beliefs.

Vocabulary summary brainwash

type transitive verb

meaning not yet

Example of vocabulary brainwashnamespace

After being held captive by the cult for weeks, the victim was completely brainwashed and now believes that their leader is a divine being.
The intensive marketing campaign aimed to brainwash the customers into believing that the product was a necessity and should be replaced annually.
I refuse to let my children watch that TV show - I don't want them to be brainwashed into thinking that violence is okay.
The government's propaganda machine was so effective that it managed to brainwash the entire nation into supporting the wrongful war.
The cult's indoctrination techniques were so powerful that even the most intelligent and independent-minded individuals were easily brainwashed.