[i-lek-truh-shok] 
| 3. | Psychiatry. to administer electroconvulsive therapy to. |
| 4. | to pass an electric current through. |
[i-lek-troh-kuh
n-vuhl-siv, i-lek-] | a treatment for serious mental illnesses, as severe depressive disorders, involving the application to the head of electric current in order to induce a seizure: usually administered after sedatives and muscle relaxants. Abbreviation: ECT |
electroconvulsive therapy n.
Abbr. ECT
Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head, usually near the temples, in order to induce unconsciousness and brief convulsions. Used in the treatment of certain mental disorders, especially acute depression. Also called electroshock, electroshock therapy.
electroshock e·lec·tro·shock (ĭ-lěk'trō-shŏk')
n.
See electroconvulsive therapy. v. e·lec·tro·shocked, e·lec·tro·shock·ing, e·lec·tro·shocks
To administer electroconvulsive therapy to a person.
