# propaganda

/ˌpɹɑpəˈɡændə/ (US) · /pɹˌɒpɐɡˈændɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/propaganda
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. biased political information

noun · CEFR B2

information that is spread to influence people's opinions, often by hiding the truth or using emotions.

For teachers: information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. Uncountable in modern usage.

- The government used propaganda to convince the public that the war was necessary.
- State-controlled media outlets often disseminate propaganda designed to discredit political opponents and consolidate domestic support for the ruling party.

### 2. religious dissemination

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the organized spreading of religious beliefs or doctrines.

For teachers: the systematic propagation of a doctrine or information, specifically in a religious context. Historically neutral but now largely superseded by the political sense.

- The church established a new office for the propaganda of their faith abroad.
- The historical study of religious propaganda reveals how seventeenth-century institutions managed the spread of theological doctrine across new colonies.

Usage: In modern English, this sense is rare outside of historical or ecclesiastical contexts due to the word's negative political connotations.

## Examples

- The government used posters and radio broadcasts as propaganda during the war.
- The dictator relied on state-run television to broadcast propaganda, ensuring the citizens only heard positive stories about his leadership.
- Modern propaganda often disguises itself as grassroots activism on social media, making it increasingly difficult for the average voter to distinguish between genuine public sentiment and coordinated manipulation.

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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.