Definition
Indoctrinate refers to the act of teaching or instructing someone in a particular set of beliefs, often with the intention of influencing their thinking or behavior in a specific way.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Brainwash, propagandize, teach, instruct, drill
Antonyms
Disabuse, enlighten, educate, inform, teach
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | doctrines, indoctrination, indoctrinations, doctrine |
| Verb | indoctrinating, indoctrinate, indoctrinates, indoctrinated |
| Adjective | doctrinal |
| Adverb | doctrinally |
Example Sentences
-
The cult leader used intense psychological pressure to indoctrinate his followers and control their behavior.
-
The school’s strict dress code policy was designed to indoctrinate students into a conservative worldview.
-
Some parents worry that their children are being indoctrinated by social media algorithms that reinforce extremist views.
-
The government’s propaganda campaign sought to indoctrinate the population with a particular political ideology.
Usage
The term “indoctrinate” is often used in a negative sense to describe a deliberate attempt to influence someone’s thinking or beliefs in an authoritarian or manipulative way. For example, a cult leader might use indoctrination techniques to control the behavior of their followers, or a government might use propaganda to manipulate public opinion.
The word “indoctrinate” is derived from the Latin word “doctrina,” which means “teaching” or “instruction.” The prefix “in-” means “in” or “on,” and the root “doctr” comes from the Latin “doctrina,” meaning “teaching.” Other related words include “doctrine,” “doctrinaire,” and “indoctrination.”
The term “indoctrinate” is often used in the context of education or training, particularly in reference to controversial or politically sensitive subjects. For example, some critics accuse universities of indoctrinating students with liberal or conservative ideologies, while others argue that religious schools indoctrinate students with particular religious beliefs.
In some cases, the term “indoctrinate” is also used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is heavily influenced by a particular set of beliefs or ideas. For example, a person who has been exposed to a particular political ideology or religious belief system throughout their life might be said to have been indoctrinated.
In summary, the word “indoctrinate” refers to the act of teaching or instructing someone in a particular set of beliefs, often with the intention of influencing their thinking or behavior in a specific way. The word has negative connotations and is often used to describe authoritarian or manipulative attempts to control people’s beliefs or actions. Understanding the root and related words can help to deepen one’s understanding of the term’s meaning and usage.