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
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Psychiatric patients underwent treatments such as electroshock therapy and insulin shock therapy, common practices at the time that are now considered outdated and often dangerous. Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Perkins reportedly underwent electroshock therapy, per The Sunday Times. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for electroshock therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electroshock therapy was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Electroshock therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electroshock%20therapy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

electroshock therapy

noun

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