C1noun3K

Propaganda

UK /["/ˌprɒpəˈɡændə/"]/US /["/ˌprɑːpəˈɡændə/"]/

Definition

ideas or statements that may be false or present only one side of an argument that are used in order to gain support for a political leader, party, etc.

In simple words: Information that is spread to help or hurt an idea or person.

Examples

  • enemy propaganda
  • a propaganda campaign
  • He has been listening to his own propaganda for so long that he is in danger of believing it.
  • Soviet propaganda against Fascism
  • The Olympics were of great propaganda value to the regime.
  • The film was made in 1938 for propaganda purposes.
  • The papers were full of political propaganda about nationalization.
  • The pirate radio station broadcast anti-government propaganda.
  • the lies that were spewed out by the regime's propaganda machine
  • This document is pure party propaganda.

Usage notes

Used in political contexts to describe biased or misleading information intended to promote a specific agenda. Avoid in academic writing where neutrality is required.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pro-' (for) and 'paganda' (a band of people): a band spreading ideas.

Collocations

  • government
  • official
  • party
  • broadcast
  • counter
  • spread
  • battle
  • campaign
  • effort
  • somebody’s own propaganda
  • propaganda  about
  • propaganda  against

Synonyms

  • misinformation
  • indoctrination
  • publicity
  • spin
  • promotion

Antonyms

  • truth
  • fact

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'advertisement' which is generally more neutral.
  • Mixing up with 'propagate', which means to spread or promote ideas but does not carry negative connotations.