deprogramming
|de-pro-gram-ming|
🇺🇸
/ˌdiːˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌdiːˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
(deprogram)
undo programmed beliefs/behavior
Etymology
'deprogramming' is formed from the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'remove' or 'reverse') + the verb 'program' + the verbal noun suffix '-ing'; the immediate source is the verb 'deprogram'.
'deprogram' is a modern coinage (recorded in the 20th century), combining Latin-derived prefix 'de-' with 'program' (from Greek 'programma' via Latin/French). 'Deprogramming' developed as the gerund/noun form and gained specific usage in the 1960–1980s context of efforts to reverse cult indoctrination.
Initially the components meant 'remove' and 'write/plan' (from 'program'); over time 'deprogram' and 'deprogramming' came to be used especially for reversing psychological or social conditioning, and less commonly for removing computer programs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of attempting to remove or reverse someone’s indoctrinated beliefs or conditioning, especially when applied to cult members.
The deprogramming of cult members can be emotionally intense.
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Noun 2
the process of removing, disabling, or erasing programmed instructions or settings in a device or system (less common usage).
Deprogramming the device restored it to factory settings.
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Verb 1
present participle/gerund of 'deprogram': performing the action of removing or reversing someone's indoctrination or programmed behavior.
They were deprogramming him from the cult's beliefs.
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Last updated: 2025/12/29 18:01