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

Facing electroshock therapy, Dorothy escapes and nearly drowns in a river that takes her to Oz. — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Philly’s offense needed major surgery — or electroshock therapy. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

She was reportedly sedated and awaiting electroshock therapy in an Asheville mental institution when the building caught fire. — Melonee Hurt, USA TODAY, 26 July 2024

Perkins reportedly underwent electroshock therapy, per The Sunday Times. — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electroshock therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

Medical Definition

electroshock therapy

noun

: electroconvulsive therapy