contrôle mental
The English phrase "mind control" is translated into French as contrôle mental.
The term refers to the subversion of a person’s control of his or her mind.
Meaning: subversion of a person’s control of his or her mind (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of contrôle (control) and mental (mental/of the mind).
Which one should you use?
While contrôle mental is a direct translation, manipulation mentale is a very common alternative used to describe the psychological subversion of a person's will.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun contrôle is masculine and is typically preceded by the definite article le when referring to the concept in general.
Did you know?
- In French, the word contrôle often means a 'test' or 'exam' in a school setting rather than the exercise of power.
- The word contrôle originally had nothing to do with the mind, but referred to a small wheel or a roll used to verify accounting records. It comes from the Latin 'rotulus', meaning a little wheel or a scroll.
- The word mental can be used as a noun in French to describe a person's psychological toughness or 'grit' through the phrase avoir du mental.
Examples in context
- Le contrôle mental est un sujet fascinant dans la science-fiction.Mind control is a fascinating subject in science fiction.
- Certains pensent que les publicités utilisent le contrôle mental.Some people think that advertisements use mind control.
- Dans ce film, le méchant utilise le contrôle mental.In this movie, the villain uses mind control.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a movie they just watched.
- NathanLéa, tu as aimé le film sur le contrôle mental ?Léa, did you like the movie about mind control?
- LéaOui, Nathan, c'était vraiment effrayant.Yes, Nathan, it was really scary.
- NathanL'idée du contrôle mental me perturbe.The idea of mind control disturbs me.
- LéaMoi aussi, c'est un concept inquiétant.Me too, it's a worrying concept.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contrôle, mental, CC BY-SA 4.0.
