lobotomize

especially British, lo·bot·o·mise

[luh-bot-uh-mahyz, loh-]

verb (used with object)

lobotomized, lobotomizing 

1. to perform a lobotomy on.

2. to make (someone or something) abnormally tranquil or sluggish.

Other Word Forms

• lobotomist noun
• lobotomization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobotomize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; lobotom(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

It is something fed to us through intravenous transportation, dripping down the highways of our bodies until it puts us into a lobotomized state.

From Salon

Fascists, however, work to cripple the slow thinking system by essentially lobotomizing their followers intellectually and mangling them emotionally.

From Salon

In films such as “Nocturama,” director Bonello examined individuals who seemed lobotomized by life, their futile actions a desperate attempt to bring meaning to meaninglessness.

From Los Angeles Times

For someone who witnessed the Obama-era phenomenon of Low End Theory, the place seemed lobotomized.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe it would place every human being in suspended animation, or lobotomize us all, or use invasive mind-control technologies to control our behaviors.

From Salon