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Definition of brainwash

brainwash

/ˈbreɪnˌwɑːʃ/
brain · wash
Plural:brainwashes
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Adjective:brainwashed
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Past Simple:brainwashed
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Past Participle:brainwashed
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Present Participle:brainwashing
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brainwash Lexical Profile

brainwash Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone adopt radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible pressure or psychological manipulation.

Example

"The authoritarian regime attempted to brainwash citizens through relentless state-controlled media."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

An instance or process of intensive, coercive indoctrination aimed at altering a person's fundamental beliefs or attitudes.

Example

"The documentary exposed how the isolated sect subjected new recruits to a systematic psychological brainwash."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for brainwash

• Nearby Words

brainstormer
brainstorming
brainteaser
brainwash
brainwasher
brainwashing
brainwave

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1950 by American journalist Edward Hunter as a calque (loan translation) of the Mandarin Chinese phrase 'xǐnǎo' (literally 'wash brain'), originally used to describe coercive ideological re-education techniques during the Korean War.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brainwash. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brainwash
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