Influence And Persuasion

noun a phenomenon where presenting evidence that contradicts a person's belief can actually strengthen their original belief

• The backfire effect occurs when presenting evidence contrary to a person's beliefs actually strengthens those beliefs.
• Trying to prove someone wrong can sometimes have the opposite effect and make them believe even more strongly - that's the backfire effect.
• Debunking myths can sometimes backfire and make people believe in them even more, it's like a reverse psychology thing.
• It's like throwing fuel on a fire - trying to change someone's mind with facts can often result in the backfire effect.

verb to praise or admire excessively or slavishly

adjective showing excessive admiration or praise

• The author was praised for not adulating the political leader in his latest book.
• Stop adulating that celebrity, they're just a regular person like everyone else.
• Why are you always adulating that singer? They're not even that talented.
• The sun was adulating the flowers with its warm rays, making them bloom beautifully.