Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To spread or promote a particular doctrine, information, or point of view, often in a biased or misleading way, through organized communication (propaganda).
   • To subject a person, group, or population to propaganda.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To engage in the creation or dissemination of propaganda.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "propagandise" takes a direct object (e.g., a principle, a population, an idea).
• As an intransitive verb, it describes the action itself.
• The word often carries a negative connotation, implying the information spread is one-sided, manipulative, or not entirely truthful.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The regime used state media to propagandise its ideology to the masses.
  • The pamphlet aimed to propagandise the benefits of the new policy, ignoring any drawbacks.
• Intransitive use:
  • During the war, both sides continued to propagandise relentlessly.
  • The group's primary function was not to debate but to propagandise.

Advanced Usage

• "to propagandise for/against something": To create propaganda in support of or in opposition to a cause.
  • The articles were clearly written to propagandise for the political candidate.
  • The film was accused of propagandising against the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Propagandize: The more common spelling in American English. It is a direct variant with identical meaning and usage.
• Propaganda (n): The organized dissemination of information, especially of a biased or misleading nature.
• Propagandist (n): A person who creates or spreads propaganda.

Synonyms

• Promote (neutral, but can be used in a similar structural sense).
• Indoctrinate (implies teaching to accept a doctrine uncritically).
• Brainwash (stronger, implies forcibly changing beliefs).
• Disseminate (neutral, means to spread widely).

Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations

• Propagandise to: To direct propaganda at a specific audience.
  • The campaign was designed to propagandise to young voters.
• Propagandise through: To use a specific medium for propaganda.
  • They propagandised through posters and radio broadcasts.

Related Idioms

• To be a propaganda tool: To be used for the purpose of propagandising.
  • The newspaper became a mere propaganda tool for the government.
• To engage in propaganda: A more common phrase than the verb "propagandise" itself, meaning the same activity.
  • The official was accused of engaging in propaganda rather than reporting facts.

Verb

1. spread by propaganda
2. subject to propaganda