shock therapy

noun

: the treatment of mental illness by the artificial induction of coma or convulsions through use of drugs or electric current

called also shock treatment

Examples of shock therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rodriguez now runs through a weekly regimen of treatment that includes sitting in a type of hyperbaric chamber and undergoing shock therapy to regenerate his nerves. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2024 Emma was kept away from her children for two years and received endless forms of electric shock therapy. Andrew Sciallo, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024 The intimate scene is followed by a look at Malone, now with his normal facial art, standing by men in lab coats as Swift receives shock therapy. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024 The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center can continue to use electric shock therapy on patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities, but state agencies can challenge the practice on a case-by-case basis in probate court, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled Thursday. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for shock therapy 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shock therapy was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near shock therapy

Cite this Entry

“Shock therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20therapy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

shock therapy

noun
: the treatment of mental illness by the artificial induction of coma or convulsions through use of drugs or electric current

called also convulsive therapy

see electroconvulsive therapy

More from Merriam-Webster on shock therapy

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