Definition

To perform a surgical operation that removes or damages parts of the brain, often to treat mental illness.

Example

The doctor had to lobotomize the patient to alleviate severe psychological distress.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read this article about how they used to lobotomize patients for mental health issues.

That sounds really extreme and outdated now, right?

Yeah, it was shocking to learn how they thought it would help.

I can’t believe they used to do that; it's so inhumane.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lobotomize → It is formed from "lobus" (from Greek "lobos", meaning lobe) and "-tomize" (from Greek "temnein", meaning to cut). The word describes the act of cutting into the lobe of the brain, typically to treat mental illness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lobe' as the part of the brain being 'cut' ('-tomize') — that's why lobotomize means to cut into the brain's lobe.

Visually Confused Words