therapy
n.-
1 medical or mental treatment (n.) B1 Intermediate Medicinetreatment to help someone feel better or get stronger after an illness, injury, or mental health struggle.
the remediation of a health problem, often following a clinical diagnosis; it encompasses both physiological and psychological interventions.
ExampleAfter his car accident, he had to go to physical therapy twice a week.
ExampleThe patient responded well to cognitive behavioral therapy, showing significant improvement in managing her anxiety symptoms over six months.
UsageOften used uncountably when referring to the process in general, but countable when referring to a specific type.
Teacher's tipIn modern conversation, 'therapy' without a modifier usually implies psychotherapy (counseling).
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2 healing quality (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea feeling or activity that makes you feel calm, happy, or relaxed.
the curative or restorative power or quality of an activity or environment.
ExampleFor many people, gardening is a form of therapy after a stressful day at work.
ExampleThe quiet solitude of the mountains provided a much-needed therapy for the exhausted researchers.
Teacher's tipOften used metaphorically for hobbies like gardening or cooking.
From New Latin therapīa, from Ancient Greek θεραπεία (therapeía, “service, medical treatment”), from θεραπεύω (therapeúō, “to serve, treat medically”) + -ία (-ía, suffix for forming abstract nouns).