electroshock

[ ih-lek-truh-shok ]

noun

1. electroconvulsive therapy.
2. shock ¹( def 6 ).

verb (used with object)

1. Psychiatry. to administer electroconvulsive therapy to.
2. to pass an electric current through.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electroshock¹

First recorded in 1940–45; electro- + shock ¹

Example Sentences

It almost immediately emerged in media reports that Mr Eagleton had received electroshock treatment in hospital for clinical depression a decade earlier.

From BBC

Hermes skillfully twines together the many strands of Reed’s singular life — a benumbing suburban childhood, electroshock therapy, heroin addiction and artistic flowering at the feet of Schwartz and the Beats.

From Los Angeles Times

Axon Enterprise, the Arizona-based technology and weapons manufacturer formerly known as Taser International, is reportedly researching proposals to develop a robot equipped with its well-known electroshock weapon.

From Salon

She rejected the charges as trumped up and said during her closed-door trial that police used an electroshock weapon on her during her arrest.

From Washington Times

City leaders hope the opposite can be true as well, that the commerce giant’s return-to-office policy — which has drawn protests and walkouts by employees — might deliver an electroshock to the city’s downtown.

From Seattle Times