sous influence
The English phrase 'brainwashed' can be translated into French as sous influence.
The phrase is used to describe someone who has been manipulated into believing or doing something under the control of another person.
Did you know?
- The term influence shares its roots with the word 'influenza', the name for the flu. Both words stem from the Latin idea of a 'flowing in' of something, such as an air or an idea.
- In a legal or formal context, describing someone as being sous influence often implies they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol rather than psychological manipulation.
- In a spiritual or occult context, sous influence can refer to the astrological belief that stars and planets flow their energy into a person.
Examples in context
- Les membres de cette organisation ont été conditionnés psychologiquementThe members of this organization have been psychologically conditioned
- Il a été manipulé par ces publicités mensongèresHe has been brainwashed by these misleading advertisements
- Les jeunes sont souvent endoctrinés par les réseaux sociauxYoung people are often brainwashed by social networks
- On les a formatés pour obéir sans poser de questionsThey have been brainwashed to obey without questioning
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing a friend's strange new behavior.
- ChloéMarc a changé depuis qu'il voit ce groupe.Marc has changed since he started seeing this group.
- LucasJe pense qu'il est sous influence.I think he is brainwashed.
- ChloéC'est vrai, il ne pense plus par lui-même.It's true, he doesn't think for himself anymore.
- LucasIl faut essayer de l'aider à sortir de là.We must try to help him get out of there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries influence, sous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
