brainwash

/ˈbɹeɪnwɒʃ/

brainwash

English Noun Top 30,915

Definition

A distorting effect upon one's memory, belief, or ideas, as by propaganda.

Etymology

From brain + wash, a calque of Chinese 洗腦 /洗脑 (xǐnǎo), literally to wash the brain. Usage via U.S. military during the Korean War.