chemical castration

American  

[kem-i-kuhl kas-trey-shuhn] / ˈkɛm ɪ kəl kæsˈtreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a drug-administered alternative to surgical castration that, instead of removing the gonads, chemically reduces the drive or ability for sexual activity and is useful in the treatment of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. In a number of countries, convicted child molesters and other sex offenders may be subject to chemical castration as part of their judicial sentence.

   Psychiatrists and other medical personnel were called in to discuss whether his sexually deviant behavior could be effectively dulled by chemical castration.

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Etymology

Origin of chemical castration

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Until 1967, homosexuality was still criminalised in England, and was punishable by imprisonment or chemical castration.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

Several countries and some U.S. states — including California and Florida — allow for chemical castration for some sex offenders.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2024

"We have amended the criminal law, and decided that the chemical castration clause will be taken out," Maleeka Bukhari, parliamentary secretary on law, told a news conference in Islamabad.

From Reuters • Nov. 19, 2021

Several states already passed chemical castration bills, but it is not known how often the practice is used.

From Fox News • Jun. 4, 2019

In the United States, chemical castration is used in California, Florida and Louisiana.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2013