Definition

A type of surgery that involves cutting into the brain's frontal lobe to disconnect nerve pathways, which was once used to treat mental health issues but is now rarely done.

Example

The controversial practice of lobotomy was once thought to help patients with severe mental illnesses.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a lobotomy?

Yeah, I read about it in a book; it's quite a controversial procedure.

Right? It was used to treat mental disorders, but it seems so extreme now.

Definitely! I'm glad it's not commonly done anymore.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lobotomy → It is formed from "lobus" (from Greek λοβός, meaning lobe) and "-tomy" (from Greek τομή, meaning incision or cutting). The word describes the surgical procedure of cutting into the lobe of the brain.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lobe' as the part of the brain being cut ('-tomy' means cutting) — that's why lobotomy refers to cutting into the brain's lobe.

Visually Confused Words