lavagem cerebral
1. to make someone adopt radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forceful pressure or indoctrination
The cult attempted to brainwash new recruits through isolation and repetitive messaging.
O culto tentou fazer lavagem cerebral em novos recrutas através do isolamento e mensagens repetitivas.
2. to manipulate someone's thoughts or beliefs through psychological pressure, propaganda, or coercion
Critics argued that the advertising campaign was designed to brainwash consumers into buying unnecessary products.
Críticos argumentavam que a campanha publicitária foi projetada para fazer lavagem cerebral nos consumidores, levando-os a comprar produtos desnecessários.
3. noun: the process or act of subjecting someone to systematic pressure to change their beliefs or attitudes
The documentary exposed the brainwash techniques used by the organization.
O documentário expôs as técnicas de lavagem cerebral usadas pela organização.
The term 'brainwash' originated from English usage in the 1950s, initially referring to techniques allegedly used by Chinese Communists. It has become a common term in both American and Brazilian Portuguese to describe unethical manipulation of beliefs through media, cults, propaganda, or psychological pressure. In Brazil, 'lavagem cerebral' is frequently used in discussions about media influence, cult activities, and political manipulation.
NYC Slang
brainwash; can be colloquially shortened to 'wash someone's brain' in informal speech
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →