deprogram

[ dee-proh-gram ]
/ diˈproʊ græm /

verb (used with object), de·pro·grammed or de·pro·gramed, de·pro·gram·ming or de·pro·gram·ing.

to free (a convert) from the influence of a religious cult, political indoctrination, etc., by intensive persuasion or reeducation.
to retrain, as for the purpose of eliminating or replacing a learned or acquired behavior pattern or habit that is undesirable or unsuitable.

Origin of deprogram

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; de- + program

OTHER WORDS FROM deprogram

de·pro·gram·mer, de·pro·gram·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for deprogram

Medical definitions for deprogram

deprogram
[ dē-prōgrăm′, -grəm ]

v.

To counteract or try to counteract the effect of an indoctrination, especially a religious or cult indoctrination.