ENGLISH
REFERENCE

healing

n. · adj.
US //ˈhiɫɪŋ// UK //hˈiːlɪŋ// heal·ing
  1. 1 physical recovery (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    the process of your body repairing itself after an injury or illness.

    the physiological process by which the body regenerates or repairs damaged tissue.

    Example

    The doctor said that the healing of the bone would take six weeks.

    Example

    Proper nutrition and rest are essential factors that accelerate the healing of deep surgical incisions.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the general process.
  2. 2 emotional recovery (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of feeling better mentally after a difficult or sad time.

    the psychological process of resolving emotional trauma or grief.

    Example

    Time and support from friends helped her start the healing after the breakup.

    Example

    The community organised a memorial service to begin the collective healing after the tragedy.
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  1. 3 restorative (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having the power to make someone feel better or healthy again.

    possessing the property of restoring health or soundness.

    Example

    The warm soup had a healing effect on his sore throat.

    Example

    Many cultures believe that these natural springs possess unique healing properties for skin conditions.

    Usage

    Typically used before a noun.
Etymology 1

From Middle English heelinge, helynge, from Old English hǣling (“healing”), from Proto-Germanic hailingō (“healing”), from Proto-Germanic hailijaną (“to heal”), equivalent to heal + -ing. Cognate with West Frisian hieling (“healing”), Dutch heling (“healing”), German Heilung (“healing; cure”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English heelyng, equivalent to heal + -ing.

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