lobotomize

verb

lo·​bot·​o·​mize lō-ˈbä-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce lobotomize (audio)
lobotomized; lobotomizing
Synonyms of lobotomizenext

transitive verb

1
: to perform a lobotomy on
2
: to deprive of sensitivity, intelligence, or vitality
… fear of prosecution was causing the press to lobotomize itself …—Tony Eprile

Synonyms of lobotomize

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Examples of lobotomize in a Sentence

fear of saying anything controversial has so lobotomized this book on geopolitics that it fails to say anything at all
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This corporate risk aversion has essentially lobotomized the system. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 However, new safeguards quickly frustrated AI researchers, who accused the company of intentionally lobotomizing Fable 5. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 June 2026 Neither of those has happened, with Destiny 2 now lobotomized just a few years after the deal and Marathon struggling to find a playerbase. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Indeed, Calvin is cheerfully lobotomizing a snowman. — Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lobotomize

Word History

Etymology

lobotomy + -ize

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lobotomize was in 1943

Rhymes for lobotomize

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Browse Nearby Words

lobotomise
lobotomize
lobotomy
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Cite this Entry

“Lobotomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lobotomize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

lobotomize

transitive verb
lo·​bot·​o·​mize
variants or chiefly British lobotomise
lō-ˈbät-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce lobotomize (audio)
lobotomized or chiefly British lobotomised; lobotomizing or chiefly British lobotomising
: to sever the frontal lobes of the brain of
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