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Brainwash

//ˈbɹeɪnwɒʃ// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A distorting effect upon one's memory, belief, or ideas, as by propaganda.
Verb
  1. 1
    To affect one's mind by using extreme mental pressure or any other mind-affecting process. (e.g. hypnosis) transitive
  2. 2
    submit to brainwashing; indoctrinate forcibly wordnet
  3. 3
    To take from an electronically controlled machine its stored-up information; to erase a computer's programming. (1960) dated, figuratively, transitive
  4. 4
    persuade completely, often through coercion wordnet
  5. 5
    To persuade completely and forcibly. transitive

    "The news media brainwashed many people."

Etymology

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

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