Infirmary - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical care facility

An infirmary is a place in a large building or institution where sick or injured people can receive medical treatment.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infirmary	Mostly found in institutions like schools, prisons, or the military, where a basic level of medical care is needed. It may not have the full services of a hospital. The students were treated for colds in the school's infirmary. The military base has a small infirmary for minor injuries.
hospital	A large medical facility offering a wide range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgeries, and specialized treatments. It's equipped to handle serious illnesses and injuries. He was taken to the hospital after the car accident. The hospital has a specialized wing for cancer treatment.
sickbay	Typically used on ships, especially in the navy, referring to the area designated for medical treatment. It is similar to an infirmary in functionality. The sailor was admitted to the sickbay after falling ill. The ship's sickbay is well-equipped for medical emergencies.
clinic	A place where patients go for outpatient medical treatment. Clinics can specialize in specific types of care like dental, pediatric, or mental health. She went to the dental clinic for her annual check-up. The pediatric clinic offers vaccinations for children.

Examples of usage

The soldiers were taken to the infirmary for treatment.
She spent a week in the infirmary recovering from the flu.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

In the Middle Ages, infirmaries were often part of monasteries, providing care to the sick and travelers.
During the Civil War, makeshift infirmaries were established near battlefields to treat wounded soldiers.
Nursing as a profession began to take shape around infirmaries when figures like Florence Nightingale professionalized patient care.

Modern Usage

Today, infirmaries can be found in schools, universities, and even summer camps, providing care to students.
Infirmaries differ from hospitals in that they generally cater to less severe health issues.
Some communities have dedicated infirmaries that focus on specific needs, like rehabilitation or long-term care.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, infirmaries symbolize compassion and the importance of caring for the sick and vulnerable.
In literature and film, infirmaries often represent transformation, recovery, or the fragility of health.
Infirmaries have been depicted as places for healing but also as settings for vulnerability in various artistic expressions.

Psychology

Health facilities like infirmaries can serve as a refuge for individuals who need psychological support alongside physical care.
The atmosphere in an infirmary plays a crucial role in patients' recovery, as comfort and care can greatly affect mental health.
Studies show that a supportive environment within an infirmary helps improve patients' overall outlook and speeds recovery.

Origin of 'infirmary'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'infirmus', meaning 'weak' or 'sick'.
Its usage in English dates back to the 14th century, referring initially to a hospital or place for the ill.
The term has evolved, but its core meaning related to health and care has remained.

The word 'infirmary' originates from the Latin word 'infirmus', meaning 'weak' or 'unwell'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a place where the sick or injured are cared for. Infirmaries were often associated with monasteries, hospitals, and military institutions throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,006, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19003 workout
19004 fastidious
19005 consensual
19006 infirmary
19007 latterly
19008 yawning
19009 benefactors
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Infirmary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations