therapeutic

adjective

ther·​a·​peu·​tic ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

1

: of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal

therapeutic diets

They confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.

—Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman

A just-right amount is the therapeutic dose, just enough to provide the intended effect without problems.

—Paul G. Donohue

2

: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind

Warm lotion manicures … are a luxurious, therapeutic treat …

—Elle

… they painted, hoed, swept, and planted when the mood for therapeutic work struck them, and lolled on the beach when they felt like it.

—David Guterson

3

: producing a useful or favorable result or effect

In classical economics, before the illusion of fine-tuning became widespread, recessions were regarded as therapeutic.

—Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen

therapeutic noun

therapeutically

ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• curative
• healing
• medicinal
• officinal
• remedial
• restorative

Examples of therapeutic in a Sentence

the therapeutic benefits of yoga

Gardening can be very therapeutic.

the therapeutic effects of radiation

Recent Examples on the Web

Our Experts Marielle Marquez, OT, a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and founder of Thrive Little, a therapeutic practice that assists caregivers with treating children with tethered oral tissues (TOTs). —Maya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024

Because of its many therapeutic benefits, CBD products have and continue to be in high demand. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

And the songwriting, especially because that record was very therapeutic, was very introspective, and there’s a lot of self in that record. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2024

Swimming: Being in the water is often a natural stress reliever, as water is usually calming and therapeutic. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024

Back to the Initiative’s therapeutic art classes, offerings are still online, but Ho hopes this will change soon. —A.k. Whitney, Orange County Register, 2 Apr. 2024

Many companies aspire to change the therapeutic paradigm in multiple diseases. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2024

But beneath that indignation lurked something else—a nagging anxiety coaxed into sharper visibility by the therapeutic aura of Kafka’s sleek analytic couch. —Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Talk to a healthcare provider before using the herb for a therapeutic purpose. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek therapeutikos, from therapeuein to attend, treat, from theraps attendant

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapeutic

• sub-therapeutic
• therapeutic index
• therapeutic touch

Kids Definition

therapeutic

adjective

ther·​a·​peu·​tic ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik 

: of or relating to the treatment of diseases or disorders by using healing agents or methods

therapeutic studies

also : curative, medicinal

therapeutic diets

Medical Definition

therapeutic

adjective

ther·​a·​peu·​tic -ˈpyüt-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or used in the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal

… the dose was increased to 8 mg per day, which is the higher end of the therapeutic dosage range.

—Hasan B. Alam et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

Conscious sedation is used increasingly in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal endoscopy to minor surgery in patients who are relaxed, but responsive.

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

They confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.

—Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman, Scientific American

2

: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind

California psychotherapist Annette Goodheart believes not only that laughter can be therapeutic but also that therapy needs to include laughter.

—Jeff Wagenheim, New Age Journal

therapeutically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

a therapeutically effective regimen

therapeutically equivalent drugs