Cure: meaning, definitions and examples

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cure

 

[kjʊər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical treatment

A substance or treatment that cures a disease or condition. Cures can range from medications to surgeries, depending on the illness.

Synonyms

remedy, solution, treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cure

Refers to a complete and permanent solution to a medical condition or problem, eliminating it entirely.

  • The doctors are searching for a cure for cancer
remedy

Often used for simpler, more immediate fixes to problems, not just medical ones.

  • A hot tea with honey is a common remedy for a sore throat
treatment

Describes the process or method used to deal with a medical condition, which may not necessarily cure it.

  • He is undergoing treatment for his chronic back pain
solution

Broad term used for any method or process that solves a problem, applicable to a wide range of scenarios, not just medical.

  • They finally found a solution to the technical issue

Examples of usage

  • The new drug proved to be a miracle cure for cancer.
  • She sought alternative cures for her chronic pain.
  • Doctors are still searching for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Context #2 | Verb

healing

To restore health or well-being; to make someone or something healthy again. Curing can involve medical treatment, rest, or natural remedies.

Synonyms

heal, restore, treat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cure

Use when referring to eliminating a disease or condition, often through medical treatment. It implies a complete resolution of the problem.

  • The new medication promises to cure the disease entirely.
  • Researchers are working to find a cure for cancer.
heal

Appropriate when referring to the process of recovery or becoming healthy again. It can apply to physical, emotional, or psychological contexts.

  • Time helps to heal emotional wounds.
  • The cut on his leg will heal in a few days.
treat

Refers to the act of managing or dealing with a medical condition, often aiming to improve or control symptoms rather than completely eliminate the disease.

  • The doctor decided to treat the infection with antibiotics.
  • She is being treated for high blood pressure.
restore

Best used when talking about bringing something back to its original condition or improving its health. This can refer to both physical health and objects or systems.

  • The therapy aims to restore his mobility after the surgery.
  • They worked hard to restore the old painting.

Examples of usage

  • The antibiotics cured her infection within a week.
  • Time and rest are usually enough to cure a common cold.
  • He believes that nature has the power to cure many ailments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'cura', meaning care or concern, reflecting the idea of nurturing health.
  • In Old French, it became 'cuer', which is still used in some contexts today related to healing.
  • The concept of curing has been part of human culture for centuries, showcasing ancient practices of medicine and healing.

Medicine

  • Cures can be found in nature, like certain plants and herbs that have healing properties used for thousands of years.
  • Modern medicine often combines multiple approaches—like medication and therapy—for effective cures.
  • Vaccinations are considered a preventive cure, protecting against diseases before they can make you sick.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, a cure might also mean finding a way to heal emotional pain or trauma.
  • Therapy practices aim to 'cure' mental health issues by providing tools for coping and understanding.
  • The relationship between mind and body demonstrates how mental well-being can influence the physical health and vice versa.

Cultural Practices

  • Various cultures have unique rituals and treatments believed to 'cure' ailments, from Native American healing ceremonies to Chinese traditional medicine.
  • The use of alternative therapies, like acupuncture and homeopathy, reflects varying beliefs about what it means to heal or cure.
  • In literature and art, the theme of seeking a cure often symbolizes a journey toward hope and restoration.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology, like gene therapy, are creating new possibilities for curing genetic disorders.
  • AI is now being used to analyze health data, which may lead to the development of targeted cures for specific diseases.
  • Telemedicine has increased access to healthcare solutions, enabling more people to seek cures from home.

Translations

Translations of the word "cure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cura

🇮🇳 इलाज

🇩🇪 Heilung

🇮🇩 penyembuhan

🇺🇦 лікування

🇵🇱 lekarstwo

🇯🇵 治療 (chiryō)

🇫🇷 guérison

🇪🇸 cura

🇹🇷 tedavi

🇰🇷 치료 (chiryŏ)

🇸🇦 علاج (ʿilāj)

🇨🇿 léčba

🇸🇰 liečba

🇨🇳 治疗 (zhìliáo)

🇸🇮 zdravljenje

🇮🇸 læknismeðferð

🇰🇿 емдеу

🇬🇪 მკურნალობა (mkurnaloba)

🇦🇿 müalicə

🇲🇽 cura

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,962, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.