PsychologyJuly 5, 2026
lobotomy
/ləˈbɒtəmi/
Definition
A controversial and invasive neurosurgical procedure used in the mid-20th century to treat mental illness by severing connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain to alter patient behavior.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek words 'lobos' (meaning lobe) and 'tomē' (meaning a cutting). It entered medical terminology in the early 20th century to describe the specific practice of brain surgery.
In the news
In the film, the procedure represents a last-resort, punitive measure intended to subdue patients; the protagonist chooses to face this surgery rather than live with the psychological torment of his past actions.
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