The word "lobotomize" is spelled with the letter 'o' after the 'b' and 't', making it different than the more commonly used word "lobotomise" in British English. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ləʊˈbɒtəmaɪz/. The stress is on the second syllable, indicated by the symbol ˈ, and the 'o' sound is long and pronounced as /əʊ/ as opposed to the short 'o' sound in 'lot'. The 'z' at the end is pronounced as /z/ as in 'buzz'.
Lobotomize is a verb that refers to the surgical procedure of removing or disconnecting the prefrontal cortex from the rest of the brain, resulting in a significant change in a person's behavior, personality, and cognitive abilities. This procedure was commonly performed in the past as a treatment for psychiatric and behavioral disorders, particularly schizophrenia, severe depression, and anxiety disorders, although it is no longer considered a valid or ethical medical treatment.
The process of lobotomizing involves severing or damaging the connections between the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain, which often leads to a reduction in emotional expression, motivation, and intellectual functioning. The aim of this procedure was to relieve symptoms of mental illness by altering the individual's brain chemistry and reducing the intensity of emotions.
Lobotomize is often used metaphorically or figuratively to refer to actions or situations that dull or impair one's mental or emotional faculties. It can describe the act of reducing someone's intelligence or critical thinking skills, making them less capable of logical reasoning or decision-making. It can also imply a loss of individuality or independent thought. In a wider context, lobotomize can be used to describe actions or processes that result in a significant and negative change in any system, organization, or structure, ultimately diminishing its effectiveness or functionality.
The word "lobotomize" is derived from the term "lobotomy". The term "lobotomy" was coined by Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz in 1935, from the Latin words "lobus" meaning "lobe" and "tomos" meaning "to cut". "Lobotomy" referred to the surgical procedure of severing or removing connections between the prefrontal cortex and other regions of the brain to treat mental disorders at the time. "Lobotomize" is the verb form of "lobotomy" and is used to describe the action of performing a lobotomy or causing someone to undergo a lobotomy.