WorldSeptember 7, 2026
brainwashing
BRAYN-wosh-ing
Definition
The forcible, coercive, or manipulative psychological process of systematically overriding a person's independent beliefs or will to instill new, dictated ones.
Etymology
Coined in the early 1950s, this term is a direct translation of the Chinese phrase 'xǐnǎo' (wash brain), which was used to describe techniques of thought reform applied to prisoners of war during the Korean War.
In the news
In this article, the term describes the central, yet legally undefined, theory the government used to argue that OneTaste members were psychologically coerced into labor, despite being free to leave.
OneTaste Forced Labor Case Shows How 'Cult' Label Framed Prosecution
Read the full article ↗The Frank Report