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indoctrinate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪnˈdɒktrɪneɪt/

KK: /ɪnˈdɑktrɪˌneɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To teach someone to accept a set of beliefs or ideas without questioning them.


Example

The organization aimed to indoctrinate new members with its ideology.


Tense Forms

Past: indoctrinated

Past Participle: indoctrinated


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard some parents tend to indoctrinate their kids with their own beliefs.
Sloth B
Yeah, I think that can really shape how children view the world.
Sloth A
It's interesting how different perspectives can be indoctrinated at such a young age.
Sloth B
True, and it makes it harder for them to form their own opinions later.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
instill
teach
instruct
Antonyms
mislead
confuse
neglect
Root Explanation

Indoctrinate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "doctrinare" (meaning to teach or instruct). The word describes the act of teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs or doctrines, often without critical thought.

Memory Tip

Think of 'teaching' ('doctrinare') someone 'into' ('in-') a specific belief system — that's why indoctrinate means to instill beliefs.

Visually Confused Words
doctrinate
inordinate
inornate
indicatorinae
indeterminate
doctrine
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