deprogram

verb

de·​pro·​gram (ˌ)dē-ˈprō-ˌgram How to pronounce deprogram (audio)
-grəm
deprogramed or deprogrammed; deprograming or deprogramming; deprograms

transitive verb

: to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (such as religious beliefs) or a firmly established or innate behavior
the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinatedToni Cade Bambara
deprogrammer noun

Examples of deprogram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From the director of American Psycho, Mary Harron’s Charlie Says revolves around writer Karlene Faith’s (Merritt Wever) attempt to deprogram former female members of the Manson Family. Will Harris, EW.com, 30 July 2024 The actor stars as the chimp Noa in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' Owen Teague had to deprogram his animal side after transforming into a young chimp for his latest role. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024 Ramer is political director for the Republican Accountability Project, a group working to deprogram members of the Cult of Trump. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2023 Last year, Saudi officials informed me that the crown prince had a new plan to deprogram jihadists. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2022 We’re left with Eugene in deep trouble, the mystery of the Commonwealth deepening, and a likely heartbreaking end to Daryl’s attempt to deprogram Leah. Richard Rys, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2021 Jeffery Robinson has spent the past decade attempting to deprogram his fellow Americans. Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Jan. 2022 That was lesson number one for me: never let an opportunity to deprogram inbuilt fears that stunt your personal growth pass you by. Essence, 30 July 2021 There, T’Challa’s sister, science wiz Shuri (Letitia Wright), figures out how to deprogram Bucky’s brainwashed brain. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 19 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deprogram was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near deprogram

Cite this Entry

“Deprogram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deprogram. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

deprogram

transitive verb
de·​pro·​gram
variants or chiefly British deprogramme
(ˌ)dē-ˈprō-ˌgram, -grəm
deprogrammed also deprogramed; deprogramming also deprograming
: to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (as of a religious nature) or a firmly established or innate behavior pattern
the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinatedToni Cade Bambara
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!