Putting ideas into someone's mind, over a long time...

[Mehrgan]

Hi,
I hope someone will help find the right idiom or expression I'm looking for. What expression can be used when someone tries to make a person believe in something or think the way they want by talking to them over a long time, in an indirect way. I suppose this expression is used disapprovingly in contexts where a group of people/goverments/religions try to put some ideas into people's minds.



Thanks a lot!

 

[5jj]

Are you thinking of the verb brainwash?

 

[shannico]

Brainwash, though I don't think it responds to the subliminal element.
Instill seems closer to what you're looking for. Though I don't think it always conveys a negative connotation, e.g.

You instill values on your children from their birth on.

p.s. Sorry 5jj! Didn't see your post! You're always way too fast for me.

 

[Mehrgan]

Thanks! Yes, that's also what I was looking for. Would you please tell me please if 'indoctrinate' has got the same meaning? (I was at first thinking more of a phrasal verb, though.)




Many thanks!

 

[Rover_KE]

Would you please tell me please if 'indoctrinate' has got the same meaning?

Yes, it has.

Rover