Therapeutic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🩺
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'therapeutic'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'therapeutic' originated from the Greek word 'therapeutikos', meaning 'pertaining to healing'. The concept of therapy and healing has been essential in various cultures throughout history, with practices such as herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and medical treatments evolving over time to form the modern understanding of therapeutic interventions.


See also: psychotherapy.

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.