1. systematic, intensive indoctrination of political or military prisoners, using such methods as threats, punishments, bribes, isolation, continuous interrogation, and repetitious “instruction.” As a countermeasure, military personnel may be trained in methods of coercive persuasion resistance, which are designed to enable them to function and survive to the best of their ability under such adverse circumstances. Also called thought reform. See brainwashing.

2. broadly, a controlled program of social influence to bring about substantial changes in behavior and attitude in members of a group (e.g., military recruits, cult followers). [coined in 1961 by Swiss-born U.S. psychologist Edgar H. Schein (1928–  )]