water cure

American  

noun

1. hydropathy; hydrotherapy.

2. a method of torture in which the victim is forced to drink great quantities of water.

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water cure British  

noun

1. med a nontechnical name for hydropathy hydrotherapy

2. informal a form of torture in which the victim is forced to drink very large amounts of water

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Etymology

Origin of water cure

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Southern California is still searching for a water cure.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2022

For many women, visiting a water cure was the first, and perhaps only, time their needs were put above those of their husbands and children.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 2014

Stories about phrenological readings, homeopathic remedies, and trips to the water cure filled newspapers and magazines.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2014

Granula considered the first ready-to-eat breakfast cereal, was developed from his 'Graham flour' by one of his followers, James Caleb Jackson, for patients at the latter's water cure resort.

From The Guardian • Nov. 23, 2010

When Annie was recovered enough from the flu to travel, Charles and Emma decided it was time to take her for the water cure.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman