What does lobotomy mean?
Lobotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing or damaging a portion of the brain's frontal lobe, typically to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or severe depression. The procedure was once widely used but is now largely discredited due to its unintended consequences and the development of more effective treatments. Despite its controversy, lobotomy remains an important topic in the history of psychiatry and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unproven medical interventions. The term is often used in a historical or literary context to refer to the practice, and its use can be a powerful way to explore the complexities of mental illness and the limits of medical knowledge.
nounA surgical procedure in which a portion of the brain's frontal lobe is removed or damaged, typically to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or severe depression.
- A surgical procedure in which a portion of the brain's frontal lobe is removed or damaged, typically to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or severe depression.
"The doctor performed a lobotomy on the patient to alleviate their symptoms."
"The doctor performed a lobotomy on the patient to alleviate their symptoms."
"The patient underwent a lobotomy in the 1950s, but it had unintended consequences."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lobotomy
The term 'lobotomy' was coined in the 1930s by Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz, who developed the procedure as a treatment for mental illnesses. The word is derived from the Greek words 'lobe' and 'tomia', meaning 'cutting'. Moniz's procedure involved severing the connections between the frontal lobe and other parts of the brain, with the goal of alleviating symptoms of mental illness.
Usage notes
Lobotomy is a highly controversial and largely discredited medical procedure. It is often used in a historical or literary context to refer to the practice.