aversion therapy

noun

: 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)

Examples of aversion therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Historically, practitioners have used aversion therapy, including inducing nausea and vomiting or providing electric shocks. —Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2023

It was based on the psychological principle of aversion therapy. —cleveland, 17 Aug. 2020

Patients of aversion therapy were also sometimes dosed with nausea-inducing drugs, Dr. Haldeman says. —Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, 7 Aug. 2018

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, 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, 26 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aversion therapy

noun

: 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)