# hospice

/ˈhɑspəs/ (US) · /hˈɒspɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hospice
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. medical facility

noun · CEFR B2

a special hospital or home where people who are dying are cared for comfortably.

For teachers: a specialized facility providing palliative care for terminally ill patients, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatment.

- The family decided to move their grandfather to a hospice where he could be more comfortable.
- The local hospice provides a serene environment for patients in their final weeks, offering both medical support and emotional counseling.

### 2. end-of-life care

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the type of medical care that focuses on reducing pain for people who cannot be cured.

For teachers: the provision of palliative care and psychological support for the terminally ill, often delivered at the patient's residence.

- She chose to receive hospice care at home so she could be with her cats.
- Hospice emphasizes pain management and dignity, typically refraining from extraordinary measures to prolong life when a recovery is no longer possible.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in 'hospice care'.

### 3. historic lodging

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a place where travelers or poor people could stay in the past, often run by monks.

For teachers: a lodging for pilgrims, travelers, or the destitute, traditionally maintained by a religious order.

- The monks at the mountain pass ran a small hospice for tired travelers.
- The medieval hospice served as a vital sanctuary for pilgrims crossing the Alps during the winter months.

Teaching tip: This historical sense is rare today; modern speakers almost exclusively use the word in a medical context.

## Examples

- The family decided to move their grandfather into a hospice.
- After the hospital treatments stopped working, the medical team recommended hospice care to ensure the patient remained comfortable at home.
- Modern hospice philosophy emphasizes the dignity of the individual, providing a holistic approach that addresses the psychological, spiritual, and physical needs of those facing the end of life.

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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.