propaganda

IPA

Dictionary definition of propaganda

Information that is spread to influence people's opinions, beliefs, or actions.
"The government's propaganda machine worked tirelessly to control the narrative."

Detailed meaning of propaganda

It is a form of communication that is intended to shape public opinion and influence behavior, often in a manipulative or deceitful way. Propaganda is often associated with political or ideological causes, and is often used by governments, political parties, or other groups to promote a particular agenda or ideology. It is usually biased and one-sided and can be used to present a particular point of view as the only correct one. Propaganda can take many forms, such as written or spoken words, images, videos, or other forms of media. It can be spread through various means, such as through the media, education, advertising, or other forms of communication.

Propaganda can be used to mobilize support for a cause, to discourage dissent, or to justify actions or policies. It can be used to create a sense of unity or to divide people by creating fear, mistrust, or hostility towards certain groups. It is often used to manipulate people's emotions and to create a sense of urgency or fear. Propaganda can be a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and influencing behavior, but it can also be used in a negative way to mislead, deceive, or manipulate people.

Example sentences containing propaganda

1. Propaganda can shape public perception through strategic messaging.
2. Recognizing propaganda is crucial for media literacy.
3. Governments often employ propaganda to manipulate citizens.
4. Social media platforms can amplify the reach of propaganda.
5. Propaganda relies on emotion and persuasion to sway minds.
6. Critical thinking is a defense against deceptive propaganda.

History and etymology of propaganda

The noun 'propaganda' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase 'Congregatio de Propaganda Fide,' which means 'Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.' This was an organization established by the Catholic Church in the 17th century to promote and spread the Catholic faith worldwide. The term 'propaganda' itself comes from the Latin word 'propagare,' which means 'to propagate' or 'to spread.' Over time, the term evolved to describe the dissemination of information or ideas, often with a persuasive or biased intent. In modern usage, 'propaganda' refers to information or messages that are spread to influence people's opinions, beliefs, or actions, typically through media and communication channels. Its etymology reflects its historical association with the promotion of religious beliefs and its broader application in shaping public perception and opinion through various forms of communication.

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Further usage examples of propaganda

1. Effective propaganda can fuel both unity and division.
2. Propaganda's power lies in its ability to distort reality.
3. Vigilance is key to resisting the allure of propaganda.
4. Media outlets should strive for truth, not spread propaganda.
5. Dissecting propaganda reveals hidden agendas and biases.
6. The government used propaganda to manipulate public opinion.
7. During wartime, propaganda is often employed to boost morale.
8. Propaganda can be a powerful tool for shaping public perception.
9. The effectiveness of propaganda lies in its ability to sway minds.
10. Many people are unaware of the subtle forms of propaganda in advertising.
11. Propaganda can be both overt and covert in its delivery.
12. The regime spread propaganda to justify its actions to the world.
13. Recognizing propaganda is essential for critical thinking.
14. The film industry has a history of producing wartime propaganda.
15. Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for online propaganda.
16. Conspiracy theories often thrive on misinformation and propaganda.
17. Propaganda posters were used extensively during World War II.
18. The aim of political propaganda is to shape public opinion in favor of a specific agenda.
19. Some argue that biased news reporting can be a form of propaganda.
20. Propaganda is a common tool for totalitarian regimes to maintain control.
21. Schools teach students to analyze propaganda in historical context.
22. Disinformation campaigns often rely on propaganda techniques.
23. Debunking false claims and propaganda is a crucial part of fact-checking.
24. The spread of propaganda can have far-reaching consequences for society.