shock therapy

American  

noun

1. (not in technical use) any of various therapies, as insulin shock therapy or electroconvulsive therapy, that induce convulsions or unconsciousness, used for symptomatic relief in certain mental disorders.

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shock therapy British  

noun

1. the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by injecting drugs or by passing an electric current through the brain ( electroconvulsive therapy ) to produce convulsions or coma

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shock therapy Cultural  

1. The treatment of a mentally ill person by passing electric shocks through the brain.

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Etymology

Origin of shock therapy

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

As a result of our investigation, the BBC understands the government will now investigate the historical use of electric shock therapy in the NHS.

From BBC

But the “Rite” came across as shock therapy.

From Los Angeles Times

The measures—part of what Milei calls shock therapy—have restored some credibility to Latin America’s third-largest economy, but about one in three people still live in poverty.

From The Wall Street Journal

A former TV pundit, Milei came to power in December 2023 promising shock therapy for Argentina's long-ailing economy, revving a chainsaw as a symbol of his plan to slash state spending.

From Barron's

“Their subsidiaries — some 36 of them — have been placed under financial quarantine. For markets, this isn’t bureaucracy; it’s shock therapy.”

From MarketWatch