lobotomy

[ luh-bot-uh-mee, loh- ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural lo·bot·o·mies.

1. the operation of cutting into a lobe, as of the brain or the lung.
2. prefrontal lobotomy.

lobotomy

/ ləʊˈbɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. a surgical incision into a lobe of any organ
2. Also calledprefrontal leucotomy a surgical interruption of one or more nerve tracts in the frontal lobe of the brain: used in the treatment of intractable mental disorders

lobotomy

/ lə-bŏt′ə-mē /

1. Surgical incision into the frontal lobe of the brain to sever one or more nerve tracts, a technique formerly used to treat certain psychiatric disorders but now rarely performed.

lobotomy

1. A surgical incision into one or more of the nerve masses in the front of the brain . A lobotomy may be performed for the relief of certain mental disorders, although it has been largely abandoned in favor of less radical treatments.

Notes

Because people who have had a lobotomy often become quite passive after the operation, the term is often used to refer to someone who shows a lack of response or reaction: “She was so tired she just sat there as if she had been lobotomized.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobotomy¹

C20: from lobe + -tomy

Example Sentences

They say the only cure for heartbreak is time, although a lobotomy might be more effective.

From New York Times

After the column ran, Microsoft gave Bing a lobotomy, neutralizing Sydney’s outbursts and installing new guardrails to prevent more unhinged behavior.

From New York Times

“It’s interesting if you go back in history, the way to treat mental illness 50 to 100 years ago was a lobotomy,” he said.

From Washington Times

While most achievements are still celebrated, some awards have not aged well, such as Egas Moniz' 1949 prize in physiology or medicine for the since banned and discredited practice of lobotomy.

From Reuters

“And one lobotomy,” Duggan interjected, as laughter rippled across the room.

From Seattle Times