Brainwash

Pronunciation

• enPR: brān'wŏsh, IPA: /ˈbreɪnwɒʃ/

Origin

A calque of the Chinese æ´—è„‘, literally "to wash the brain". Usage via U.S. military during Korean War.

Full definition of brainwash

Noun

1. An effect upon one's memory, belief, or ideas.

Verb

1. To affect one's mind by using extreme mental pressure or any other mind-affecting process. (i.e. hypnosis)
2. (figuratively, dated) To take from an electronically controlled machine its stored-up information; to erase a computer's programming. (1960)