lobotomy Definition
a surgical operation involving incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain, formerly used to treat mental illness but now rarely performed.
Using lobotomy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lobotomy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lobotomy was once a popular treatment for mental illness.
Example
The patient underwent a lobotomy to control his aggressive behavior.
Example
The use of lobotomy declined in the 1950s with the introduction of antipsychotic drugs.
lobotomy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for lobotomy
- leucotomy
- prefrontal leukotomy
Phrases with lobotomy
transorbital lobotomy
a type of lobotomy in which an instrument is inserted through the eye socket to sever connections in the prefrontal cortex
Example
The transorbital lobotomy was a controversial procedure that was widely used in the mid-20th century.
a type of lobotomy in which an ice pick-like instrument is inserted through the eye socket to sever connections in the prefrontal cortex
Example
The ice pick lobotomy was a crude and dangerous procedure that was sometimes performed outside of medical facilities.
lobotomize
to perform a lobotomy on someone
Example
The doctor decided to lobotomize the patient to treat his severe depression.
Origins of lobotomy
from Greek 'lobos' meaning 'lobe' and 'tomē' meaning 'a cutting'
Summary: lobotomy in Brief
The term 'lobotomy' [ləˈbɑːtəmi] refers to a surgical operation that involves incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain. It was once used as a treatment for mental illness, but is now rarely performed. The procedure includes types like 'transorbital lobotomy' and 'ice pick lobotomy,' and the verb form is 'lobotomize.'
