lobotomize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Medical, Figurative (often negative/connotative)
Quick answer
What does “lobotomize” mean?
to perform a lobotomy (a surgical operation involving incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain) on someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to perform a lobotomy (a surgical operation involving incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain) on someone
to deprive someone of vitality, personality, intellectual capacity, or emotional responsiveness; to render someone passive, compliant, or unthinking
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The British spelling 'lobotomise' is possible but the '-ize' form is also standard.
Connotations
Identically strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. The figurative use may be slightly more prevalent in critical political/cultural commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “lobotomize” in a Sentence
[Subject] lobotomized [Object][Object] was lobotomized (by [Agent])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lobotomize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The controversial procedure was used to lobotomise patients deemed unmanageable.
- Critics argue that certain media seek to lobotomise public opinion.
American English
- Doctors once lobotomized patients with severe mental illnesses.
- He felt the monotonous job had lobotomized his creativity.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Standard form 'lobotomizingly' is extremely rare and non-standard)
American English
- N/A (Standard form 'lobotomizingly' is extremely rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The documentary featured lobotomised individuals from mid-20th century asylums.
- She gave a lobotomising presentation that put everyone to sleep.
American English
- He had a lobotomized expression after hearing the news.
- The film portrayed a lobotomizing effect of passive consumption.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, used pejoratively: 'The corporate training seemed designed to lobotomize independent thinking.'
Academic
Used in medical history, psychology, and critical social theory: 'The paper critiques policies that lobotomize civic engagement.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively figurative and hyperbolic: 'That boring lecture nearly lobotomized me.'
Technical
Precise medical/historical term for the surgical procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lobotomize”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lobotomize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lobotomize”
- Confusing with 'lethargize' or 'anaesthetize'. Using it in a positive or neutral context. Misspelling as 'labotomize'. Using the noun 'lobotomy' as a verb incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the literal surgical procedure (prefrontal lobotomy) is obsolete and considered unethical. The term is now used almost exclusively in historical contexts or as a powerful figurative metaphor.
Almost never. Its connotations are overwhelmingly negative, implying brutal, irreversible damage to a person's core self or intellect.
The noun is 'lobotomy'. The act of lobotomizing is a 'lobotomization'.
Yes, 'lobotomise' is the less common British English spelling variant, but '-ize' is standard in many UK publications (Oxford spelling). American English only uses 'lobotomize'.
to perform a lobotomy (a surgical operation involving incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain) on someone.
Lobotomize is usually formal, medical, figurative (often negative/connotative) in register.
Lobotomize: in British English it is pronounced /ləˈbɒt.ə.maɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ləˈbɑː.t̬ə.maɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(figurative) a lobotomized society”
- “(figurative) to be intellectually lobotomized”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LOBE (brain lobe) + TOMIZE (like 'atomize'—to break apart). It means to break into/alter the brain lobe.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICAL THOUGHT IS A PHYSICAL ORGAN (THE BRAIN); SUPPRESSING THOUGHT IS SURGICAL MUTILATION.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common contemporary figurative use, 'lobotomize' implies: