lobotomize

verb

lo·​bot·​o·​mize lō-ˈbä-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce lobotomize (audio)
lobotomized; lobotomizing

transitive verb

1
: to perform a lobotomy on
2
: to deprive of sensitivity, intelligence, or vitality
fear of prosecution was causing the press to lobotomize itselfTony Eprile

Examples of lobotomize in a Sentence

fear of saying anything controversial has so lobotomized this book on geopolitics that it fails to say anything at all
Recent Examples on the Web It’s just absolutely been lobotomized into something that sounds like Wikipedia, essentially. Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2023 For someone who witnessed the Obama-era phenomenon of Low End Theory, the place seemed lobotomized. Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2023 To lobotomize their ability to access and express the full range of human experience back to consenting adults seems not just puritanical, but a fool’s errand. Tabi Jensen, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2023 This attracted all kinds of attention to it, so of course MS lobotomized her. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 17 Feb. 2023 What the choice actually did was magically lobotomize them, sending them wandering the streets. Steven Strom, Ars Technica, 6 June 2018 In other words, lobotomize the civil rights and antiwar protesters. Rob Verger, Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lobotomize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

lobotomy + -ize

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lobotomize was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near lobotomize

Cite this Entry

“Lobotomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lobotomize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

lobotomize

transitive verb
lo·​bot·​o·​mize
variants or chiefly British lobotomise
lobotomized or chiefly British lobotomised; lobotomizing or chiefly British lobotomising
: to sever the frontal lobes of the brain of
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