Therapeutic: meaning, definitions and examples

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therapeutic

 

[ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical treatment

Relating to the healing of disease; serving to cure or alleviate a disorder.

Synonyms

healing, medicinal, restorative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
therapeutic

Used when referring to something that contributes to mental or physical health by providing relief from illness or stress.

  • Yoga can be very therapeutic for people dealing with anxiety.
  • She found painting therapeutic after a long day at work.
healing

Applies when referring to the process of becoming healthy again or something that promotes recovery, particularly from physical or emotional wounds.

  • The healing process after surgery can take several weeks.
  • She found solace and healing in her friendships.
medicinal

Relates to substances or activities specifically used to treat or prevent disease and to improve health.

  • Certain herbs have medicinal properties.
  • The doctor prescribed a medicinal syrup for her cough.
restorative

Used to describe something that restores health, strength, or well-being, often after it has been diminished by illness or stress.

  • A good night's sleep can have a restorative effect on your body.
  • The spa offers restorative treatments for stress relief.

Examples of usage

  • Therapeutic massage can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
  • Music therapy has been shown to have therapeutic effects on patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Context #2 | Adjective

psychological treatment

Relating to the treatment of mental or emotional disorders; providing emotional healing or relief.

Synonyms

cathartic, comforting, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
therapeutic

Refer to the first entry for the context and examples.

cathartic

Used when referring to something that provides an emotional release or relief, usually by expressing strong emotions.

  • Writing in her journal was a cathartic experience for her
  • Watching that emotional movie was quite cathartic
soothing

Used when referring to something that calms or relieves pain, discomfort, or anxiety.

  • The sound of the ocean waves is very soothing
  • She found the warm bath to be soothing after a long day
comforting

Used when referring to something that provides comfort or reassurance in times of stress or sadness.

  • Her mother's voice was always comforting during tough times
  • The blanket felt very comforting on a cold night

Examples of usage

  • Therapeutic counseling can help individuals cope with anxiety and depression.
  • Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses creative expression to improve mental well-being.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'therapeutikos', meaning 'to attend to' or 'to serve'.
  • It has roots in the word 'therapeia', which signifies healing or treatment.
  • The modern usage began in the late 19th century, expanding in various fields such as psychology and medicine.

Psychology

  • Therapeutic practices can significantly reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
  • Various forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and art therapy, are considered therapeutic.
  • Engaging in creative activities is often cited as a powerful therapeutic tool to help manage emotions.

Health and Medicine

  • Therapeutics is a branch of medicine focused on the treatment of disease and the practice of healing.
  • The development of therapeutic drugs has led to significant advances in treating chronic illnesses.
  • Complementary therapies, like massage and acupuncture, are also used to promote overall health.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and books explore therapeutic relationships, often highlighting the bond between therapists and clients.
  • Mindfulness and yoga have gained popularity as therapeutic practices in mainstream culture.
  • Music and art therapy have been featured in numerous television shows, representing their efficacy in healing.

Education

  • Schools are increasingly integrating therapeutic practices like play therapy to support students' emotional growth.
  • Therapeutic approaches in education aim to create safe spaces for learning and healing.
  • Teachers who apply therapeutic techniques can better support students facing emotional or behavioral challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "therapeutic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 terapêutico

🇮🇳 चिकित्सीय

🇩🇪 therapeutisch

🇮🇩 terapeutik

🇺🇦 терапевтичний

🇵🇱 terapeutyczny

🇯🇵 治療的な

🇫🇷 thérapeutique

🇪🇸 terapéutico

🇹🇷 terapötik

🇰🇷 치료의

🇸🇦 علاجي

🇨🇿 terapeutický

🇸🇰 terapeutický

🇨🇳 治疗的

🇸🇮 terapevtski

🇮🇸 læknandi

🇰🇿 терапевтикалық

🇬🇪 თერაპიული

🇦🇿 terapevtik

🇲🇽 terapéutico

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,950, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.