Brainwashes is a term used to describe the act of manipulating someone's thinking. There are many synonyms for this term that can be used interchangeably, including indoctrinates, conditions, reprograms, influences, persuades, convinces, and hypnotizes. Each of these words carries its own connotations and shades of meaning, but all refer to the same basic idea of altering someone's beliefs or attitudes. Depending on the context, one synonym may be more appropriate than another. For example, indoctrination is often associated with religious or political indoctrination, whereas hypnotism is more commonly used in the context of entertainment or therapy. Regardless of the synonym used, brainwashing is a powerful and sometimes unethical tool that can be used to shape beliefs and behaviors.