-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
electroshock therapy
noun
: the treatment of mental illness and especially depression by the application of electric current to the head of a usually anesthetized patient that induces unconsciousness and convulsive seizures in the brain
called also electroconvulsive therapy
Examples of electroshock therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thus begins a traumatic spiral in Arkham State Hospital, where Sofia is subjected to electroshock therapy and harsh living conditions.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 Oct. 2024
Sadly, electroshock therapy is still legal in states like Massachusetts.
—Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
Using a trove of letters, photos, VHS tapes, Super 8 movies, and even answering machine messages, Caouette sifts through past trauma to better understand his mother, Renee, who has long struggled with mental illness in the wake of electroshock therapy.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024
In 1972, Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Thomas Eagleton of Missouri, George McGovern's running mate, dropped out of the race after media reports revealed he had been hospitalized and undergone electroshock therapy for depression.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for electroshock therapy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of electroshock therapy was
in 1942
Dictionary Entries Near electroshock therapy
Cite this Entry
“Electroshock therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electroshock%20therapy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
electroshock therapy
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on electroshock therapy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electroshock therapy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share