brainwashing
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brainwashing
The systematic psychological influencing of a person with the aim of fundamentally changing their beliefs, values, and attitudes.
Sekten wird oft vorgeworfen, bei ihren Mitgliedern eine Art Gehirnwäsche durchzuführen.
Cults are often accused of carrying out a kind of brainwashing on their members.
The word is a very vivid compound made up of 'Gehirn' (brain) and 'Wäsche' (washing). It metaphorically describes the 'cleaning' of the brain of old thoughts and the implanting of new ones.
In dem Film geht es um einen Agenten, der einer Gehirnwäsche unterzogen wurde.
The film is about an agent who was subjected to brainwashing.
'Gehirnwäsche' (brainwashing) is a word with a very strong negative connotation. It is used to criticize manipulative and totalitarian methods of changing opinions, often in the context of cults or dictatorships.
Kritiker werfen der Organisation vor, systematische Gehirnwäsche zu betreiben.
Critics accuse the organization of carrying out systematic brainwashing.
A very common fixed expression is 'jemanden einer Gehirnwäsche unterziehen' (to subject someone to brainwashing). This means that this procedure is done to someone.
Die entführten Soldaten wurden einer monatelangen Gehirnwäsche unterzogen.
The abducted soldiers were subjected to months of brainwashing.
propaganda
'Propaganda' and 'Gehirnwäsche' both have to do with deliberate influence. 'Propaganda' is usually aimed at many people, for example the public, and spreads one-sided ideas or information. 'Gehirnwäsche' means a much stronger psychological influence on a person or group, intended to fundamentally change their beliefs. Learners may confuse the words because both sound negative and are manipulative. As a simple guide: 'Propaganda' works outwardly through messages, while 'Gehirnwäsche' reaches deeper into a person's thinking.
Nach Monaten in der Gruppe wirkte er wie nach einer Gehirnwäsche.
After months in the group, he seemed as if he had been brainwashed.
Im Geschichtsunterricht spricht die Klasse über Propaganda in alten Zeitungen.
In history class, the class talks about propaganda in old newspapers.