Therapy

Definition

Therapy refers to treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder, often involving psychological, physical, or medical practices.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈθɛr.ə.pi/
• Respelling: THAIR-uh-pee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈθɛr.ə.pi/
• Respelling: THAIR-uh-pee

Etymology

The word "therapy" originates from the Greek "therapeia," meaning "healing" or "treatment," derived from "therapeuein," meaning "to attend to" or "to treat."

Derivatives

• Therapist (noun)
• Therapeutic (adjective)
• Therapeutics (noun)
• Therapize (verb, informal)
• Therapy-like (adjective, informal)

Synonyms

• Treatment
• Care
• Rehabilitation

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Harm
• Injury

Usage

The noun "therapy" is used to refer to medical or psychological treatment, as in "He underwent physical therapy after the accident." It also extends to nonmedical contexts, as in "Gardening is her form of therapy."

Related Terms

• Counseling: Professional guidance to resolve personal or psychological issues.
• Treatment: The management and care of a patient to combat a disorder or disease.
• Healing: The process of becoming healthy again.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Treatment for physical or mental disorders: Refers to methods or techniques aimed at curing or alleviating conditions.
  • Example: "The patient received speech therapy after the stroke."
• A nonmedical approach to improving well-being: Refers to activities or practices used as a form of relief or self-care.
  • Example: "Art therapy helps participants express their emotions."