shock therapy

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.

shock therapy

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

shock therapy

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock therapy¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The Democrats and the so-called Resistance are celebrating how the courts and civil society organizations appear to be blunting Trump’s ‘shock and awe” and shock therapy campaign against American democracy and the American people.

From Salon

Trump’s shock therapy treatment is having the opposite effect: the patient is getting much sicker and suffering greatly, pleading for relief.

From Salon

As has been widely documented, this shock therapy both directly and indirectly caused an increase in alcoholism, suicides, heart attacks, psychological stress and other negative health outcomes in those countries and across the region.

From Salon

When Milei assumed the presidency, he promised shock therapy, devaluing the peso by 50% and cutting the number of government ministries by half.

From BBC

Emma was kept away from her children for two years and received endless forms of electric shock therapy.

From Los Angeles Times