ˌpräpəˈgandə, -gaan- also ˌprōp- sometimes ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin (in Congregatio de propaganda fide Congregation for propagating the faith — an organization established by Pope Gregory XV in 1622 to take charge of Catholic missionary activity), from Latin, abl. singular feminine of propagandus, gerundive of propagare to propagate
1. archaic : a group or movement organized for spreading a particular doctrine or system of principles
2. : dissemination of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
steady erosion of Socialist propaganda about the wrongs done to the people — Roy Lewis & Angus Maude
3.
a. : doctrines, ideas, arguments, facts, or allegations spread by deliberate effort through any medium of communication in order to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause
brushed aside the peace proposals as mere propaganda
b. : a public action or display having the purpose or the effect of furthering or hindering a cause
distribution of free food parcels … is the first successful piece of propaganda that the Western Powers have thought up — New Statesman & Nation
Synonyms: see publicity