Definition

1. Noun:
   • Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view: "Propaganda" refers to ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further a cause or to damage an opposing cause. It is often associated with governments, political groups, or organizations and typically has a negative connotation, implying manipulation or deception.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The government used propaganda to boost public morale during the war.
  • The documentary exposed the regime's false propaganda about its economic success.
  • We must be critical of what we read online to avoid falling for political propaganda.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a propaganda tool": to be used as a means of spreading propaganda.
  • The state-run newspaper was a mere propaganda tool for the ruling party.
• "Propaganda campaign": a coordinated series of activities to spread propaganda.
  • The company launched a propaganda campaign to improve its damaged image.
• "Propaganda machine": the organized system or apparatus for producing and disseminating propaganda.
  • The dictator controlled a vast propaganda machine.

Variants and Related Words

• Propagandist (noun): a person who spreads propaganda.
  • He was accused of being a propagandist for the extremist group.
• Propagandize (verb): to spread or promote propaganda.
  • The regime sought to propagandize its ideology through the education system.

Synonyms

• Promotion: the publicizing of a product, organization, or venture. (Less negative connotation)
• Indoctrination: the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
• Disinformation: false information which is intended to mislead.

Related Phrases

• Psychological warfare: the use of propaganda against an enemy, intended to weaken morale.
  • Dropping leaflets was a common tactic in psychological warfare.
• Spin (noun/informal): a form of propaganda, providing a biased interpretation of an event.
  • The politician's explanation was just spin to hide the failure.

Related Idioms

• A war of words: a prolonged exchange of propaganda or critical statements between opposing sides.
  • The debate devolved into a bitter war of words.

Noun

1. information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause