indoctrinate
UK[ɪnˈdɒktrɪneɪt]US[ɪnˈdɑːktrɪneɪt]
v
to teach someone to accept a set of beliefs without questioning them.
v
to instruct, especially in fundamentals or rudiments.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
doctrine
ate
in
in
doctrine
teaching
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'indoctrinate' is built upon the latin noun doctrina, which itself derives from docere, meaning 'to teach'. the prefix 'in-' imparts the sense of 'putting into' or 'causing to go into'. originally, in the 17th century, 'indoctrinate' carried the neutral meaning of 'to instruct' or 'to teach doctrines'. however, over time, the semantic focus shifted from the act of teaching to the manner of teaching, specifically one that implants ideas uncritically and authoritatively. this evolution reflects a critical view of instruction that aims to instill a fixed ideology rather than to foster independent thought.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + doctrine (teaching) + ate (verb suffix)
in- (latin origin, meaning 'in, into'), doctrine (from latin doctrina, meaning 'teaching, learning'), -ate (latin verb-forming suffix).
Examples
the regime used the education system to indoctrinate children with its political ideology.
he was accused of trying to indoctrinate new recruits with his extreme views.
the cult leader sought to indoctrinate his followers, isolating them from outside information.