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indoctrination

in-dok-tri-NAY-shuhn /ɪnˌdɒktrɪˈneɪʃən/

nounC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

Implies a systematic, often coercive, method of instilling specific doctrines or ideologies, typically without encouraging independent thought or critical evaluation.

The story behind the word. The word 'indoctrination' comes from the Latin prefix 'in-' meaning 'into,' combined with 'docere,' meaning 'to teach.' So, it literally means 'to teach into.' It implies a process of instilling a doctrine or set of beliefs into someone's mind, often in a way that discourages questioning or critical thinking. This root is also found in words like 'doctor' (one who teaches) and 'document' (something that teaches or informs).

Word relationships

brainwashing: Brainwashing implies a more extreme, often forced, psychological manipulation; indoctrination is systematic teaching without critical thought.
propaganda: Propaganda is information to influence opinion; indoctrination is the systematic teaching of a doctrine.

education: The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, often encouraging critical thought.
enlightenment: The state of having gained spiritual knowledge or understanding; intellectual awakening.

Commonly confused with

teaching: Teaching can be neutral and encourage critical thought; indoctrination is teaching with the specific goal of instilling uncritical acceptance of beliefs.

Word family

indoctrinate (verb): To teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
doctrine (noun): A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.

Collocations

political indoctrination
religious indoctrination
mass indoctrination
indoctrination programs

Example sentences

"The regime relied heavily on the indoctrination of youth through state-controlled schools and media to maintain its power." Analyzing the methods of authoritarian regimes.
"New recruits underwent an intense period of indoctrination, isolating them from outside influences and reinforcing the group's ideology." From a psychological study on cults.

Memory hook

Think of a 'DOCTOR' teaching you a specific 'DOCTRINE' without allowing questions – that's 'INDOCTRINATION'. DOCTRINE-teach

When not to use

Do not use 'indoctrination' for general education or teaching critical thinking. It specifically refers to teaching beliefs in a way that discourages questioning or alternative perspectives.

Related words

radicalize, extremism

Explore more words

indoctrinate, brainwash, uncritical, dogma, coerce, dogmatism