Word
indoctrination
Phoneticsin·doc·tri·na·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌdɑktɹəˈneɪʃən/
UK/ɪndˌɒktɹɪnˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the process of teaching someone to believe in a specific set of ideas or a particular group. It often happens in schools or by governments to shape how people think.
n. the systematic instruction of a person or group to accept a set of beliefs or values, often associated with political or religious ideology. Frequently implies a lack of critical thinking or an attempt to suppress dissent.
Examples
“The school's curriculum includes a lot of political indoctrination.”
“Critics of the new policy argue that it represents a form of ideological indoctrination for young students.”
“The historical study of totalitarian regimes often focuses on the mechanisms of indoctrination used to ensure absolute loyalty to the state and its leaders.”
Examples
simple
“The school's curriculum includes a lot of political indoctrination.”
contextual
“Critics of the new policy argue that it represents a form of ideological indoctrination for young students.”
complex
“The historical study of totalitarian regimes often focuses on the mechanisms of indoctrination used to ensure absolute loyalty to the state and its leaders.”
Real-World Examples
“The effect of political and religious indoctrination on young minds resembles a slow-release poison.” “Besides concerns over indoctrination, parents supported independent schools because the growth of religious schools “caus[ed] an enormous financial burden on the immigrant community,” which was expected to fund these institutions, she explains.” Etymology
First attested in 1646; from indoctrinate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/indoctrination