brainwashed

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Word: Brainwashed

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The term "brainwashed" describes a state where a person has been subjected to intense and forced indoctrination, leading them to reject their old beliefs and adopt new ones. This often happens through repeated messages or pressure from others.

Simple Explanation:

When someone is brainwashed, it means they have been made to believe something different than what they used to think, usually by someone who is very persuasive or by a lot of repetition.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "brainwashed" to describe someone who has changed their beliefs in a way that seems unnatural or forced.
• It can refer to people in various situations, such as prisoners of war, cult members, or even consumers influenced heavily by advertisements.

Example:

• "After spending a year in the cult, she felt completely brainwashed and couldn’t remember what her old beliefs were."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "brainwashed" can be used to discuss psychological manipulation in political, commercial, or social contexts. For instance: - "The marketing campaign was so effective that many viewers became brainwashed consumers, unable to question the need for the product."

Word Variants:

• Brainwash (verb): To cause someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

  • Example: "They tried to brainwash the recruits into following their ideology."

• Brainwashing (noun): The act of brainwashing someone.

  • Example: "The documentary explored the methods of brainwashing used by the organization."

Different Meaning:

• While "brainwashed" typically has a negative connotation, implying manipulation and loss of independent thought, it can sometimes be used humorously in everyday conversations, such as when someone is overly enthusiastic about a new trend or product.

Synonyms:

• Indoctrinated
• Manipulated
• Controlled
• Conditioned

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "brainwashed," you can consider phrases that convey similar ideas, such as: - “Under someone’s thumb” - meaning to be controlled by someone. - "Drinking the Kool-Aid" - a colloquial phrase meaning to uncritically accept an idea or belief, often used in a negative context.

Conclusion:

Understanding "brainwashed" involves recognizing its implications of control, manipulation, and the loss of one's prior beliefs.

Academic

Adjective

1. subjected to intensive forced indoctrination resulting in the rejection of old beliefs and acceptance of new ones
   • brainwashed prisoners of war
   • captive audiences for TV commercials can become brainwashed consumers