occupational therapy

American  

noun

1. a form of therapy in which patients are encouraged to engage in vocational tasks or expressive activities, as art or dance, usually in a social setting.

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occupational therapy British  

noun

1. med treatment of people with physical, emotional, or social problems, using purposeful activity to help them overcome or learn to deal with their problems

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• occupational therapist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of occupational therapy

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

As he fell behind in first grade, his doctor referred him to occupational therapy and a psychologist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

"My struggle goes beyond what you see on camera or how I present myself," he said, pointing to years of speech and occupational therapy as well as socialization training.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

Amanda's son is having occupational therapy for attachment trauma which could only otherwise be accessed privately.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

Specialized occupational therapy tools at the clinic were replaced by scavenged substitutes: buttons, small glasses, pieces of wood or pipe now help patients relearn activities of daily living.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

Dad had to take Haley to gymnastics, and Mom had to pick up Semaj at occupational therapy.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner