noun

electroshock

Quiz me More like this

Electroshock (noun) means an electric shock delivered to the body, or more specifically, a controlled medical treatment (electroconvulsive therapy) that passes current through the brain to treat severe depression. Example: “Electroshock therapy is still used today for cases of depression that don't respond to medication.”

noun

An electric shock delivered to the body, or more specifically, a controlled medical treatment (electroconvulsive therapy) that passes current through the brain to treat severe depression.

"Electroshock therapy is still used today for cases of depression that don't respond to medication."

verb

To treat someone using electroconvulsive therapy.

"The patient was electroshocked under close medical supervision."

How to use electroshock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMedical treatment (or a jolt) that uses electric current on the body, most often referring to a controlled brain treatment for severe mental illness.

When to use it

The clinical term today is usually "electroconvulsive therapy" (ECT); "electroshock" is the older, more informal name.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like electroshock.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: electroshocks
Third person singular: electroshocks
Past tense: electroshocked

Test yourself on “electroshock” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ therapy is still used today for cases of depression that don't respond to medication.

Etymology

From electro- ("electric") plus shock.

Synonyms

View more →

ECT electroshock therapy electroconvulsive therapy

Frequently asked questions

What does “electroshock” mean?

The word “electroshock” means an electric shock delivered to the body, or more specifically, a controlled medical treatment (electroconvulsive therapy) that passes current through the brain to treat severe depression. In plain terms, medical treatment (or a jolt) that uses electric current on the body, most often referring to a controlled brain treatment for severe mental illness.

How do you use “electroshock” in a sentence?

Here is “electroshock” used in a sentence: “Electroshock therapy is still used today for cases of depression that don't respond to medication.”

What part of speech is “electroshock”?

Depending on how it is used, “electroshock” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “electroshock” have?

“Electroshock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an electric shock delivered to the body, or more specifically, a controlled medical treatment (electroconvulsive therapy) that passes current through the brain to treat severe depression.