Hospital: meaning, definitions and examples

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hospital

 

[หˆhษ’spษชtl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical care

A hospital is a place where people who are ill or injured are treated and cared for by doctors and nurses.

Synonyms

clinic, infirmary, medical center.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hospital

A large medical facility offering extensive inpatient and outpatient care, often complete with surgery, intensive care, and various specialized departments.

  • She was admitted to the hospital after the car accident
clinic

A smaller facility offering outpatient services for minor illnesses, preventative care, or specialized treatments; often doesn't handle major surgeries or emergencies.

  • I went to the clinic for my annual check-up
infirmary

Typically used in institutional settings such as schools, prisons, or military bases, often for minor ailments and first aid; it's less commonly used in everyday language.

  • The school infirmary was busy during the flu season
medical center

A broad term for a facility, often including a hospital and additional clinics, research centers, and other health services under one organization.

  • The new medical center offers a wide range of health services, including a trauma unit and specialized clinics

Examples of usage

  • He was rushed to the hospital after the car accident.
  • She works as a nurse in a children's hospital.
  • The hospital is equipped with the latest medical technology.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

A hospital can also refer to the entire institution or building where medical treatment is provided.

Synonyms

clinic, healthcare institution, medical facility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hospital

A hospital is a large building where people receive medical care, including surgery and emergency services. It is usually equipped to handle a wide range of health issues.

  • She was taken to the hospital after the car accident.
  • The hospital has a specialized unit for heart surgeries.
medical facility

A medical facility is any place where medical services are provided, including hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and specialized treatment centers.

  • The medical facility has state-of-the-art equipment for treating cancer patients.
  • They are opening a new medical facility downtown to reduce travel time for patients.
healthcare institution

A healthcare institution is a broad term that can refer to any organization providing healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers.

  • The healthcare institution is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.
  • Healthcare institutions must follow strict hygiene protocols.
clinic

A clinic is a smaller medical facility where people go for outpatient treatment, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and minor medical procedures.

  • He went to the clinic for his yearly health check-up.
  • The local clinic offers free flu shots every winter.

Examples of usage

  • The hospital is working on expanding its facilities.
  • The local community raised funds to build a new hospital.
  • The hospital staff includes doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word originates from the Latin term 'hospitium', meaning 'guesthouse' or 'lodging', reflecting its early role in caring for travelers and the sick.
  • In ancient Rome, the first hospices were established to provide care for the poor and injured, serving as precursors to modern hospitals.
  • The establishment of the first dedicated hospital for the sick is often credited to the Persian physician Al-Razi in the 9th century.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, hospitals represent a crucial part of community health, often symbolizing compassion and healing.
  • The design and architecture of hospitals can vary widely around the world, from grand historic buildings to sleek, modern structures promoting wellness.
  • The role of hospitals has expanded to include centers for research, education, and emergency services, shaping modern healthcare systems.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous TV shows and movies depict hospitals as places of drama and emotion, exploring the lives of healthcare workers and patients.
  • The series 'Grey's Anatomy' has popularized the hospital setting, attracting fans with its blend of medical cases and character relationships.
  • The image of hospitals is often contrasted in various forms of media, sometimes highlighting the struggles within healthcare systems.

Science and Medicine

  • Hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology, such as MRI machines and robotic surgery systems, to assist in diagnosing and treating diseases.
  • The practice of medicine within hospitals involves teamwork, where nurses, doctors, and specialists collaborate for patient care.
  • Infection control and hospital hygiene are critical areas of research, as they directly impact patient recovery and safety.

Psychology

  • Hospital settings can influence emotional well-being, as patients may feel anxiety or fear upon entering for treatment.
  • Healthcare professionals often receive training in empathy to better support patients' mental health in addition to their physical needs.
  • Visiting a hospital can evoke a range of emotions, making understanding and support systems essential for patients and families.

Translations

Translations of the word "hospital" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hospital

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเฅเคชเคคเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Krankenhaus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rumah sakit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะบะฐั€ะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szpital

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็—…้™ข (ใณใ‚‡ใ†ใ„ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hรดpital

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hospital

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hastane

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณ‘์› (byeong-won)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณุชุดูู‰

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nemocnice

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nemocnica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒป้™ข (yฤซyuร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bolniลกnica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sjรบkrahรบs

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัƒั€ัƒั…ะฐะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒแƒ•แƒแƒ“แƒ›แƒงแƒแƒคแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xษ™stษ™xana

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hospital

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,286, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.