therapeutic
thair-uh-PYOO-tik
/ˌθɛr.əˈpjuː.tɪk/
Relating to the healing of disease or having a beneficial, soothing effect on body or mind.
Applies both to clinical medical cures and broadly to activities that reduce stress or foster well-being.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'therapeuteia' (healing, care) and 'therapeuein' (to serve or treat). Ancient healers were regarded as attendants whose role was to serve nature's innate healing ability.
Word relationships
- curative: Curative specifically implies eliminating a disease; therapeutic encompasses soothing, managing, and healing effects.
- harmful: Harmful damages bodily health, whereas therapeutic fosters healing and recovery.
Commonly confused with
- prophylactic: Prophylactic prevents disease before occurrence; therapeutic treats existing conditions.
Word family
- therapy (noun): Treatment intended to relieve or heal a health condition
- therapeutically (adverb): In a manner that aids healing
Collocations
- therapeutic effect
- therapeutic dose
- therapeutic intervention
Example sentences
- "Journaling every evening proved to have a deeply therapeutic effect during times of emotional distress." Mental Health
Memory hook
THERAPeutic relates to what a helpful THERAPist does to promote healing. Therapeutic = Healing and soothing.
When not to use
Do not use for preventive measures taken before any illness exists.
Fun facts
- The ancient Alexandrian 'Therapeutae' were a monastic community devoted to spiritual and physical healing.
Related words
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.