chemical castration

noun

: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)

especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.

Examples of chemical castration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, trans youth’s access to gender-affirming healthcare has become a popular talking point among anti-trans conservatives in both the U.S. and U.K. In 2022, for instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis likened the usage of puberty blockers to chemical castration during a debate. —Abby Monteil, Them, 29 July 2024

After his conviction, Turing agreed to undergo chemical castration in order to avoid serving time in prison. —Patricia Fancher, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2024

The method is considered much more invasive than chemical castration, which involves hormonal drugs that decrease libido. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 June 2024

Men mandated by the courts to be castrated can choose chemical castration or the surgical removal of their testicles, which Sullivan chose, WBRZ reports. —Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chemical castration

noun

: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (such as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)

especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.