Psychiatric
ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk
Definitions
Relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk
Relating to mental illness or its treatment.
The hospital has a dedicated psychiatric ward.
💡 Simply: It's like being a detective for your brain! This word describes things connected to figuring out and helping people with their mental health problems. So if a doctor does a mental health check-up, you could say it's a psychiatric exam.
👶 For kids: About doctors who help people with their feelings and how their brains work, like when someone is sad or worried too much.
More Examples
The doctor recommended psychiatric treatment for the patient.
He has a psychiatric background.
How It's Used
"The patient underwent psychiatric evaluation after experiencing severe anxiety."
"The defendant's psychiatric condition was considered during the trial."
From New Latin psychiatr- (related to psychiatry) + -ic, meaning 'relating to the treatment of mental illness.' Psychiatry itself comes from Greek psykhē 'mind' + iatreia 'medical healing.'
The word gained prominence in the 20th century as the field of psychiatry developed and became increasingly recognized as a medical specialty.
Memory tip
Think of 'psychiatrist' and 'psychology' - anything related to mental health.
Word Origin
"mind, soul"