information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause
"The government launched a propaganda campaign to encourage citizens to buy war bonds during the conflict."
A concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behavior of large numbers of people.
"The government launched a massive propaganda campaign to convince citizens that conscription was necessary for national survival."
In plain English: Propaganda is information that someone spreads to influence other people's opinions, often by leaving out important facts or using emotional tricks.
"The campaign used catchy slogans and repeated images to spread propaganda about the new leader's success."
Usage: Propaganda refers to organized efforts designed to shape public opinion, often through biased information rather than objective facts. Use this term specifically for systematic campaigns by governments or groups, distinguishing it from casual persuasion or simple advertising.
The word "propaganda" comes from New Latin prōpāgandā, which was short for a 1622 committee of cardinals established to spread the Catholic faith in foreign lands. Although it literally means "to propagate," its modern political sense emerged during World War I and originally did not carry negative connotations.