Definition

A person who helps someone to stop following a particular belief or ideology, often used in the context of helping individuals leave cults or extreme groups.

Example

The deprogrammer worked tirelessly to help the young man regain his independence from the cult.

Conversation

I heard you met a deprogrammer last weekend.

Yeah, it was really interesting to talk to them about their work.

What do they actually do as a deprogrammer?

They help people break away from harmful ideologies and beliefs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deprogrammer → It is formed from "de-" (meaning to remove or reverse) and "programmer" (from "program" which comes from Greek "programma", meaning a written public notice or a plan). The word "deprogrammer" refers to someone who removes or reverses a previously established program or conditioning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') a 'plan' or 'program' — that's what a deprogrammer does.

Visually Confused Words