Meaning & use

indoctrinate

verb·Advanced

To teach a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often repeatedly and systematically.

See it in a sentence

The regime used state schools to indoctrinate children with its official ideology.

Critics accused the cult of indoctrinating new members through isolation and constant repetition.

A note on using this word

Indoctrinate almost always has a negative connotation, implying beliefs are imposed without allowing independent or critical thought.

Words with a similar meaning

brainwashcondition

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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