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aversion therapy
noun
: therapy intended to suppress an undesirable habit or behavior (such as smoking) by associating the habit or behavior with a noxious or punishing stimulus (such as electric shock)
Examples of aversion therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some vets recommend aversion therapy – exposing the cat to its fear and then providing comfort and support.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 8 July 2024
Historically, practitioners have used aversion therapy, including inducing nausea and vomiting or providing electric shocks.
—Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2023
It was based on the psychological principle of aversion therapy.
—cleveland, 17 Aug. 2020
Patients of aversion therapy were also sometimes dosed with nausea-inducing drugs, Dr. Haldeman says.
—Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, 7 Aug. 2018
The sentence proves a mixed bag for Cameron, who is subjected to all sorts of aversion therapy (including Christian rock songs), but also finds emotional support among her fellow campers.
—Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, 2 May 2018
Marzonie said conversion therapy is often associated with aversion therapy, an extreme form of the practice that involves inflicting pain or physical discomfort such as electro-shock therapy.
—NBC News, 26 Feb. 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1946, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near aversion therapy
Cite this Entry
“Aversion therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aversion%20therapy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
aversion therapy
noun
: therapy intended to suppress an undesirable habit or behavior (as smoking or overeating) by associating the habit or behavior with a noxious or punishing stimulus (as an electric shock)
More from Merriam-Webster on aversion therapy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aversion therapy
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