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shock therapy
noun
: the treatment of mental illness by the artificial induction of coma or convulsions through use of drugs or electric current
called also shock treatment
Examples of shock therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Realistically, unless the world is ready to endure the shock therapy of rationing energy supplies, which would curtail economic activity radically, there are no viable short-to-medium term alternatives to Western fossil fuel products other than fossil fuel products produced elsewhere.
—Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The ill effects of austerity measures Some countries in recent economic history which underwent shock therapy suffered for years.
—Ron Insana, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024
Rodriguez now runs through a weekly regimen of treatment that includes sitting in a type of hyperbaric chamber and undergoing shock therapy to regenerate his nerves.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2024
Emma was kept away from her children for two years and received endless forms of electric shock therapy.
—Andrew Sciallo, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1917, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shock therapy
Cite this Entry
“Shock therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20therapy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
shock therapy
noun
: the treatment of mental illness by the artificial induction of coma or convulsions through use of drugs or electric current
called also convulsive therapy
see electroconvulsive therapyMore from Merriam-Webster on shock therapy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shock therapy
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