BRAINWASHERS Meaning and
Definition
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Brainwashers, often referred to as brainwashers in colloquial terms, are individuals or entities that employ manipulative techniques and tactics to gain control over the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of others. The term "brainwashing" originated in the 1950s during the Korean War, where it was used to describe the psychological manipulation undergone by prisoners of war.
Brainwashers typically aim to alter the mindset and perception of their victims, molding them into obedient followers or compelling them to adopt a particular ideology or belief system. They employ various psychological techniques like coercion, mind control, propaganda, and emotional manipulation to achieve their desired results. These techniques often involve isolating the victim from external influences, imposing a system of rewards and punishments, inducing fear or dependency, and instilling a sense of guilt or shame.
Brainwashers can be found across different domains, including religious cults, extremist organizations, abusive relationships, and political regimes. They exploit vulnerabilities, such as the need for acceptance, fear of abandonment, or desire for purpose, to gain influence and control over the individual's thoughts and behaviors.
It is important to note that brainwashing is a controversial concept and subject to debate within psychological and sociological circles. While some argue that a person's beliefs and behaviors can be significantly molded through manipulation, others contend that individuals always retain a certain degree of agency and resistance against brainwashing techniques.
Common Misspellings for BRAINWASHERS
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Etymology of BRAINWASHERS
The word "brainwasher" originated from the term "brainwashing".
The term "brainwashing" itself has its roots in the Chinese phrase "xǐ năo" (洗脑), which translates to "washing the brain". It was first used in the 1950s to describe the coercive psychological techniques employed by Chinese communists during the Korean War. These techniques were aimed at indoctrinating and manipulating the minds of prisoners of war to adopt the communist ideologies.
The term was later popularized by American journalists and scholars who studied the phenomenon during the Korean War. It gained widespread usage in the West to describe any process of altering or controlling an individual's thoughts and beliefs against their will or the use of coercive methods to manipulate someone's mind. From this usage, the word "brainwasher" emerged to refer to individuals or groups perceived as engaging in brainwashing activities.
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