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propaganda

prop-uh-GAN-duh /ˌprɒpəˈɡændə/

nounC1SATGRETOEFLIELTS

FormalNeutral

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Propaganda is often systematic and widespread, designed to manipulate public opinion, sometimes through emotional appeals or distortion of facts.

The story behind the word. The word 'propaganda' originates from the title of a Roman Catholic organization, the 'Congregatio de Propaganda Fide' (Congregation for Propagating the Faith), established in 1622 to spread Catholicism. The Latin verb 'propagare' means 'to propagate, to spread, to extend.' Over time, the term lost its purely religious context and, especially by the 20th century, acquired its modern, often negative, connotation of biased or misleading information used for political ends.

Word relationships

indoctrination: Teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
brainwashing: Compelling someone to adopt a new system of beliefs by repetitive and coercive persuasion.
disinformation: False information, especially that which is intended to deceive.

truth: The quality or state of being true.
facts: Information that is known or proved to be true.
objectivity: The quality of being objective; freedom from bias.

Commonly confused with

advertising: Advertising promotes products/services, while propaganda promotes political/ideological causes, often with intent to mislead.

Word family

propagandist (noun): A person who spreads propaganda.
propagandize (verb): To spread propaganda.

Collocations

political propaganda
state propaganda
anti-war propaganda
spread propaganda
propaganda campaign

Example sentences

"During wartime, governments often employ propaganda to boost morale and demonize the enemy." Discussing historical political campaigns.
"Critics argue that some news outlets are merely channels for partisan propaganda, rather than sources of objective reporting." Analyzing modern media.

Memory hook

PRO-PAGANDA is information that 'PRO-MOTES' a specific 'AGENDA' by 'PRO-PAGATING' a biased view. Biased agenda spread

When not to use

Do not use 'propaganda' for neutral, factual information; it implies a deliberate attempt to persuade or mislead.

Fun facts

The first modern use of 'propaganda' in a political sense is often attributed to the French Revolution.
Uncle Sam's 'I Want You for U.S. Army' poster is one of the most iconic pieces of American propaganda.

Explore more words

disseminate, disinformation, canard, promulgate, campaign, provoke