adjective / noun
therapeutic
thair-uh-PYOO-tik/ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/
Treating illness or promoting physical or emotional well-being.
The therapist guides a therapeutic knee exercise on the treatment plinth.
Etymology
The Greek healing adjective rests on a verb meaning primarily to serve or take care of, and specifically to treat medically. That connection places medical treatment within a broader idea of care; the verb’s deeper origin is unknown.
In context
prevent the spontaneous recovery of the fear much more effectively than simply passive coping. So we're thinking that... the more that active coping can be introduced into the therapeutic process, perhaps the more long-lasting therapy will be.
More examples
- Warm water has a therapeutic effect on stiff joints.
- The counselor recommends therapeutic exercises to help manage anxiety.
- Researchers are testing a new therapeutic for the disease.
Forms
therapeutic · therapeutics
therapeutically adverb — In a way that promotes healing.
therapy noun — Treatment that improves health or well-being.
Similar words
- curative
- Aims to cure an illness, not merely provide relief.
- restorative
- Emphasizes renewing strength or energy after fatigue or illness.
- healing
- Emphasizes recovery from injury or distress rather than treatment itself.