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Indoctrinate: meaning, example and synonyms

Indoctrinatev. To teach someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

Flashcard for Indoctrinate (verb): to teach someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. Example: The historian argues that the academy did not merely train its cadets but indoctrinated them, discouraging any question about the doctrines it taught. Synonyms: brainwash, propagandize, condition, inculcate. Antonyms: educate openly, enlighten, liberate. Memory tip: in + doctrine: pouring a doctrine in, no questions allowed. Illustration: rows of identical fully clothed students in matching gray uniforms all copying the same diagram from a chalkboard covered only in arrows and shapes, one student looking up doubtfully.

Example

The historian argues that the academy did not merely train its cadets but indoctrinated them, discouraging any question about the doctrines it taught.

Part of speech
verb
Synonyms
brainwash, propagandize, condition, inculcate
Antonyms
educate openly, enlighten, liberate
Memory tip
in + doctrine: pouring a doctrine in, no questions allowed.

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Check yourself: Indoctrinate in context

Pick the word that best completes each text.

Question 1

Critics of the boarding school argued that it did not educate its pupils so much as ______ them, rewarding rote recitation of its founder's maxims and punishing any doubt.

Question 2

The documentary shows how the cult's leaders would ______ new recruits, isolating them from their families and repeating the same slogans until no other view seemed possible.

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