# healing

/ˈhiɫɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈiːlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/healing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical recovery

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: the psychological process of resolving emotional trauma or grief.

- Time and support from friends helped her start the healing after the breakup.
- The community organised a memorial service to begin the collective healing after the tragedy.

### 3. restorative

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: possessing the property of restoring health or soundness.

- The warm soup had a healing effect on his sore throat.
- Many cultures believe that these natural springs possess unique healing properties for skin conditions.

Usage: Typically used before a noun.

## Examples

- The doctor says the healing will take several weeks.
- After the surgery, the patient focused on rest and nutrition to speed up the healing of the wound.
- The community organized a memorial service to facilitate collective healing after the tragic events of the previous winter.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.