lobotomize

verb

lo·​bot·​o·​mize lō-ˈbä-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce lobotomize (audio)
lobotomized; lobotomizing
Synonyms of lobotomizenext

transitive verb

1
: to perform a lobotomy on
2
: to deprive of sensitivity, intelligence, or vitality
fear of prosecution was causing the press to lobotomize itself— Tony Eprile

Synonyms

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Examples of lobotomize in a Sentence

fear of saying anything controversial has so lobotomized this book on geopolitics that it fails to say anything at all
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neuro procedures are always the scariest, because the surgeons are basically poking around in a little black box and staring at brain waves and hoping their patients don’t wake up partially lobotomized. — Laura Bradley, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 According to the film’s psychiatric adviser, Professor James Gilligan, however, who spoke to The Guardian in 2010, Andrew was aware of his actions when he was ordered to be lobotomized. — Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

lobotomy + -ize

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lobotomize was in 1943

Rhymes for lobotomize

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Browse Nearby Words

lobotomise
lobotomize
lobotomy
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Cite this Entry

“Lobotomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lobotomize. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

lobotomize

transitive verb
lo·​bot·​o·​mize
variants or chiefly British lobotomise
lō-ˈbät-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce lobotomize (audio)
lobotomized or chiefly British lobotomised; lobotomizing or chiefly British lobotomising
: to sever the frontal lobes of the brain of
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