indoctrinated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indoctrinated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that typically describes someone who has been strongly influenced by an idea, belief, or ideology. For example, "The Nazi soldiers were indoctrinated to believe that Jews were inferior to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is hard to understand the actions of suicide bombers without some notion of indoctrination, and if the suicide bombers were indoctrinated then they did not choose freely.

The New Yorker

Families descended en masse on Hampden from Ayrshire, youngsters therefore indoctrinated into the fierce dislike these two sides have for each other, if they were not already aware.

The Guardian - Sport

It is legitimate to worry about how young British or French girls can be indoctrinated and drawn to Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

During my rationalist upbringing, I was constantly indoctrinated with stories of the way in which the church in general - and the Roman Catholic church, which built our cathedrals, in particular - placed the worship of God ahead of the welfare of men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, Karzai sent cadets to India, where Musharraf believes they were "indoctrinated" against Pakistan.

The Guardian

Muslims farther south, across the largely ungoverned Sahara desert, might be indoctrinated, trained and sent back to Europe.For America, the worry is that "clean skin" European citizens, with no known record of radicalism, could be used to attack the United States.

The Economist

"Lone wolf attacks" carried out by misfits and madmen indoctrinated by al-Qaeda over the internet might continue; "spectaculars"were increasingly beyond the beleaguered organisation's abilities.Al-Qaeda was not only getting killed in the field.

The Economist

It refused to be "blackmailed, indoctrinated and manipulated by juveniles", it said, calling on the ANC "to provide much-needed leadership to rein in its youth wing" so as to prevent "serious damage" being done to the reputation of South Africa's mining industry.

The Economist

Some still play a role but more people are now being indoctrinated by friends and families at home, and through internet chat rooms and websites.

The Economist

There were special children's camps where the offspring of such people were indoctrinated in dialectical materialism, but also in the giddy delights of youthful flirtation and liberation from parental oversight.

The Economist

Isn't it baffling that people who have long been indoctrinated in the social responsibility of reproductive self-control still have such trouble contracepting?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indoctrinated" when you want to emphasize the systematic and often forceful way someone has been taught to accept certain beliefs without questioning them.

Common error

The term "indoctrinated" carries a negative connotation. Avoid using it in contexts where a neutral description of education or socialization is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "indoctrinated" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective, often describing someone who has been taught to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. As noted by Ludwig AI, it carries a strong connotation of biased or intensive teaching.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "indoctrinated" is a grammatically sound verb form often used as a past participle or adjective, signifying the process of instilling beliefs in a biased or intensive manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently employed in contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias and carries a negative connotation. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's crucial to consider the subtle nuances and potential negative implications associated with "indoctrinated", and to use it thoughtfully. Alternative terms like "educated" or "influenced" might be more fitting when aiming for neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indoctrinated with ideology

Focuses on the systematic teaching of a specific set of beliefs.

instilled with beliefs

Focuses on planting or embedding specific beliefs within someone.

brainwashed

Implies a more forceful and manipulative imposition of beliefs, often against the individual's will.

mentally conditioned

Suggests a systematic training to elicit a specific response or belief.

subjected to propaganda

Highlights the use of biased or misleading information to promote a particular viewpoint.

proselytized

Highlights the attempt to convert someone to a particular religion or belief system.

taught dogmatically

Highlights the rigid and unquestioning manner in which beliefs are presented.

schooled in thought

Highlights the formal instruction of a system of thought.

influenced heavily

A broader term indicating a significant impact on someone's beliefs or actions.

persuaded strongly

Emphasizes the act of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief.

FAQs

How is "indoctrinated" used in a sentence?

The word "indoctrinated" describes a process of instilling beliefs, ideas, or doctrines, especially in a biased or intensive way. For example: "The children were "indoctrinated" with patriotic values at a young age."

What are some alternatives to "indoctrinated"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "educated", "taught", "influenced", or "mentally conditioned".

Is it correct to say someone was "indoctrinated" if they willingly accepted the beliefs?

While willingness doesn't negate the process, "indoctrinated" often implies a lack of critical thinking or an imposition of beliefs, regardless of initial willingness. If someone actively and critically engages with the beliefs, terms like "educated" or "influenced" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "indoctrinated" and "educated"?

"Educated" typically refers to a balanced and comprehensive learning process that encourages critical thinking. "Indoctrinated", on the other hand, suggests a biased or one-sided instruction that aims to instill specific beliefs without encouraging independent thought.