shock therapy
noun
(not in technical use) any of various therapies, as insulin shock therapy or electroconvulsive therapy, that induce convulsions or unconsciousness, used for symptomatic relief in certain mental disorders.
Also called
shock treatment.
Origin of shock therapy
First recorded in 1935–40
Words nearby shock therapy
shock absorber,
shock front,
shock jock,
shock lung,
shock radio,
shock therapy,
shock troops,
shock tube,
shock wave,
shock-horror,
shock-resistant
British Dictionary definitions for shock therapy
shock therapy
shock treatment
noun
the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by injecting drugs or by passing an electric current through the brain (electroconvulsive therapy) to produce convulsions or coma
Medical definitions for shock therapy
shock therapy
n.
Any of various treatments for mental disorders, such as major depression or schizophrenia, in which a convulsion or brief coma is induced by administering a drug or passing an electric current through the brain.
shock treatment