sensory deprivation

noun

: the partial or complete removal of sensory input from one or more of the senses (such as touch, sight, sound, smell, or taste)

The following hour is both slow and quick … the sensory deprivation and stillness amplifying the sounds.

—Sarah Pollok

The government project … was known for its Cold War-era mind control experiments involving the use of psychedelic drugs, torture and sensory deprivation.

—Amy Kuperinsky

—often used before another noun

a sensory deprivation chamber/tank/pod

Examples of sensory deprivation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The project employed various experiments to manipulate and alter mental states and brain functions using psychoactive drugs, hypnosis, electroshocks, sensory deprivation, isolation, physical and verbal abuse and other forms of torture. —Usa Today, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above