Forced to accept beliefs or ideas against your will through propaganda, repetition, or psychological manipulation; having your thoughts controlled.
Translation of Chinese 'xǐ naǒ' (literally 'wash brain'). Coined during the Korean War (1950s) to describe techniques used on POWs. Entered English as a compound 'brain-wash'→'brainwash'.
The term 'brainwashing' was invented during the Cold War, but the CIA later admitted it doesn't work as a complete mind-control method. However, we now know that repeated messaging, isolation, and sleep deprivation DO powerfully influence thinking.
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