1 aversion therapy | Definition of aversion therapy

aversion therapy

noun

Definition of aversion therapy

: therapy intended to suppress an undesirable habit or behavior (such as smoking) by associating the habit or behavior with a noxious or punishing stimulus (such as electric shock)

Examples of aversion therapy in a Sentence

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Patients of aversion therapy were also sometimes dosed with nausea-inducing drugs, Dr. Haldeman says. Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, "How Gay Conversion Therapy Came to Be, and How It Persists Today," 7 Aug. 2018 The sentence proves a mixed bag for Cameron, who is subjected to all sorts of aversion therapy (including Christian rock songs), but also finds emotional support among her fellow campers. Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland Film Festival's 12 must-see movies," 2 May 2018 Marzonie said conversion therapy is often associated with aversion therapy, an extreme form of the practice that involves inflicting pain or physical discomfort such as electro-shock therapy. NBC News, "Conversion therapy or 'identity workshop'? Church program causes uproar," 26 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aversion therapy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aversion therapy

1946, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for aversion therapy

aversion therapy

noun

Medical Definition of aversion therapy

: therapy intended to suppress an undesirable habit or behavior (as smoking or overeating) by associating the habit or behavior with a noxious or punishing stimulus (as an electric shock)

More from Merriam-Webster on aversion therapy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aversion therapy