chemical castration

noun

: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)

especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chemical castration

noun

: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (such as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)

especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.