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Definition of indoctrinate

indoctrinate

/ɪnˈdɑːktrɪneɪt/
in · doc · tri · nate
Adjective:indoctrinatory
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Past Simple:indoctrinated
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Past Participle:indoctrinated
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Present Participle:indoctrinating
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indoctrinate Lexical Profile

indoctrinate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To teach or inculcate a person or group to accept a set of beliefs, ideologies, or doctrines uncritically.

Example

"The authoritarian regime sought to indoctrinate students by rewriting the history curriculum."

2

To instruct or train someone thoroughly in the fundamentals, rules, or procedures of a particular subject or organization (dated or formal).

Example

"During orientation week, senior staff indoctrinate the new recruits in the laboratory's strict safety protocols."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for indoctrinate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for indoctrinate

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'indoctrinate' originally meant simply to teach or instruct, in modern English it carries a strongly negative connotation of forcing someone to accept dogmas uncritically, contrasting with 'educate', which implies encouraging independent thought.

• Rhymes for indoctrinate

• Nearby Words

indivisible
indivisibly
indochinese spitting cobra
indoctrinate
indoctrination
indoctrinator
indolently

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the prefix 'in-' (into) and Latin 'doctrina' (teaching, body of knowledge), from 'doctor' (teacher), originally used as an alteration of the older verb 'endoctrine'.

Cite this Entry

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