# indoctrination

/ˌɪnˌdɑktɹəˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /ɪndˌɒktɹɪnˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indoctrination
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.