Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb brainwash

2 senses of brainwash

Sense 1
brainwash -- (persuade completely, often through coercion; "The propaganda brainwashed many people")
       => persuade -- (cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; twist somebody's arm; "You can't persuade me to buy this ugly vase!")

Sense 2
brainwash -- (submit to brainwashing; indoctrinate forcibly)
       => indoctrinate -- (teach doctrines to; teach uncritically; "The Moonies indoctrinate their disciples")