WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
in•doc•tri•nate /ɪnˈdɑktrəˌneɪt/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object], -nat•ed, -nat•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to instruct (someone) in a doctrine in a way not allowing for dissent:indoctrinated to love their country and to hate the West.
- to teach thoroughly:indoctrinated the recruits in the ways of army life.
in•doc•tri•nate
(in dok′trə nāt′),USA pronunciation v.t., -nat•ed, -nat•ing.
in•doc′tri•na′tion, n.
in•doc′tri•na′tor, n.
- to instruct in a doctrine, principle, ideology, etc., esp. to imbue with a specific partisan or biased belief or point of view.
- to teach or inculcate.
- to imbue with learning.
- 1620–30; in-2 + Medieval Latin doctrīnātus past participle of doctrīnāre to teach; see doctrine, -ate1
in•doc′tri•na′tor, n.
- 1. brainwash, propagandize.
'indoctrination' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):