What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indoctrinated
Example
The children were indoctrinated with the political ideology of the ruling party. [indoctrinated: past participle]
Example
She was indoctrinated into the cult at a young age and never questioned their teachings. [indoctrinated: verb]
brainwash
Example
The prisoners were brainwashed into confessing to crimes they did not commit. [brainwashed: past participle]
Example
He was brainwashed by the extremist group to carry out a terrorist attack. [brainwashed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brainwash is less commonly used than indoctrinated in everyday language. Brainwash is often associated with extreme situations such as cults or brainwashing techniques used in war, while indoctrinated can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indoctrinated and brainwash?
Brainwash is typically associated with a more informal tone, while indoctrinated is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
