Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun brainwashing
1 sense of brainwashing
Sense 1
brainwashing -- (forcible indoctrination into a new set of attitudes and beliefs)
=> indoctrination -- (teaching someone to accept doctrines uncritically)
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")