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

These findings highlight the role of perfectionism and negative thinking in how social media affects body image, pointing to potential areas for therapeutic interventions. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

In specific medical conditions, high doses of vitamin C may be needed to achieve an adequate therapeutic effect. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Two main strategies to eradicate the virus exist: prophylactic vaccines, to prevent initial infection, and therapeutic vaccines, to help people already infected. —Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

The area’s natural hot springs are a therapeutic delight, offering mineral-rich waters to soak your cares away. —Cliff Lewis, Orange County Register, 13 Dec. 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