indoctrinate
in-DOK-truh-nayt
/ɪnˈdɒktrɪneɪt/
To teach a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
Implies brainwashing, psychological repetition, and the systematic elimination of independent critical thought.
The story behind the word. Originally in the 17th century, 'indoctrinate' simply meant 'to instruct' or 'to train in a field of knowledge' without any negative undertone. Over time, particularly during the rise of 20th-century authoritarian regimes and propaganda machines, the word acquired its modern critical meaning of force-feeding opinions while forbidding dissent.
Word relationships
- brainwash: 'Brainwash' is more informal and connotes forceful psychological coercion, whereas 'indoctrinate' sounds structural and instructional.
- instill: 'Instill' is neutral or positive (e.g., instilling values), whereas 'indoctrinate' explicitly suppresses questioning.
- educate: Implies fostering critical thinking and open analysis rather than forced agreement.
Commonly confused with
- instruct: 'Instruct' simply means imparting skills or knowledge; 'indoctrinate' forces uncritical belief absorption.
Word family
- indoctrination (noun): The process of teaching a person or group to accept beliefs uncritically.
Collocations
- indoctrinate children
- heavily indoctrinated
- systematically indoctrinate
- attempt to indoctrinate
Example sentences
- "The regime attempted to indoctrinate young citizens through mandatory state youth organizations." Totalitarian regimes
- "Isolated from outside news, new converts were rapidly indoctrinated into the leader's bizarre apocalyptic worldview." Cult studies
Memory hook
IN DOCTRINATE: inserting DOCTRINE into someone's head until they accept it without questioning. Pouring doctrine straight into an uncritical mind.
When not to use
Do not use for routine, open teaching or education where questioning and debate are encouraged.
Fun facts
- The root 'docere' (to teach) gives us 'doctor' (originally meaning a scholar/teacher), 'docile' (easily taught), and 'document'.
Related words
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