aversion therapy

noun

|Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of aversion therapy

: 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)

Recent Examples of aversion therapy from the Web

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, "Maryland Film Festival's 12 must-see movies," 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, "Conversion therapy or 'identity workshop'? Church program causes uproar," 26 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aversion therapy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of aversion therapy

1946

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

aversion therapy

noun

medical Definition of aversion therapy

: 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)