brainwashing
[/ˈbreɪnwɒʃɪŋ/]
noun
lavagem cerebral
1. The process of pressuring someone into adopting radically different beliefs by use of systematic indoctrination, coercion, or psychological manipulation, often without the person's full awareness or consent
The cult was accused of brainwashing its members into complete obedience.
A seita foi acusada de fazer lavagem cerebral em seus membros para obter completa obediência.
2. Intensive, forcible indoctrination to induce someone to abandon basic beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting ideas
Prisoners of war underwent brainwashing techniques during their captivity.
Prisioneiros de guerra foram submetidos a técnicas de lavagem cerebral durante seu cativeiro.
3. Any form of systematic persuasion or propaganda intended to manipulate people's thoughts or behaviors
Some argue that aggressive advertising is a form of brainwashing.
Alguns argumentam que a publicidade agressiva é uma forma de lavagem cerebral.
The term 'brainwashing' originated during the Korean War (1950s) to describe coercive indoctrination techniques used on prisoners. In Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, 'lavagem cerebral' is commonly used in discussions about cults, totalitarian regimes, aggressive marketing, and political propaganda. The concept resonates strongly in both cultures given historical experiences with military dictatorships and propaganda. In the USA, the term is frequently used in debates about media influence, cult deprogramming, and political manipulation.
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