chemical castration

noun

: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)
especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.

Examples of chemical castration in a Sentence

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.
Nevertheless, trans youth’s access to gender-affirming healthcare has become a popular talking point among anti-trans conservatives in both the U.S. and U.K. In 2022, for instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis likened the usage of puberty blockers to chemical castration during a debate. Abby Monteil, Them, 29 July 2024 After his conviction, Turing agreed to undergo chemical castration in order to avoid serving time in prison. Patricia Fancher, JSTOR Daily, 26 June 2024 The method is considered much more invasive than chemical castration, which involves hormonal drugs that decrease libido. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 June 2024 Men mandated by the courts to be castrated can choose chemical castration or the surgical removal of their testicles, which Sullivan chose, WBRZ reports. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemical castration was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near chemical castration

Cite this Entry

“Chemical castration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical%20castration. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

chemical castration

noun
: the use of hormone therapy (see hormone therapy sense b) to block the production of sex hormones (such as in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers)
especially : the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) to bring about a marked reduction in the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone in the treatment of prostate cancer and to reduce the sexual urges of sex offenders (such as pedophiles)

Note: When used in the treatment of prostate cancer, chemical castration is typically called androgen deprivation therapy.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!