Deprogrammer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A deprogrammer is a person who helps individuals break free from harmful beliefs or ideologies, often used in contexts like cults or extreme political groups. They guide people toward independent thinking.
Definition:
A person who helps individuals abandon indoctrination or harmful beliefs, often through psychological methods.
Synonyms:
deconditioner, reformer, reeducator
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
indoctrinator, brainwasher, propagandist
Common Collocations:
cult deprogrammer, psychological deprogrammer, professional deprogrammer
Derivatives:
deprogramming, deprogrammed
Usage Tips:
Use "deprogrammer" to describe someone aiding in reversing harmful conditioning or ideological control.
Common Phrases:
cult deprogrammer, exit counseling, belief reformer
Etymology:
Derived from "de-" (reverse) + "program" (condition), first used in mid-20th century for countering brainwashing.
Examples:
- 1. The deprogrammer helped her leave the cult safely.
- 2. He hired a deprogrammer to assist his brother after years of manipulation.
- 3. A skilled deprogrammer uses gentle techniques to avoid trauma.
- 4. She became a deprogrammer after escaping extremist ideologies herself.