chemical castration

[kem-i-kuhl kas-trey-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical castration¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

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

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Chemical castration is delivered through two drugs.

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Research on the impact of chemical castration - while limited - has shown considerable reductions in reoffending rates.

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The government also confirmed it would expand a pilot scheme offering chemical castration to some prisoners, with a view to making it nationwide and potentially mandatory.

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She told MPs the government "will go further" and is exploring whether to enforce chemical castration as mandatory.

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