intensive care

American  

noun

1. the use of specialized equipment and personnel for continuous monitoring and care of the critically ill.

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intensive care British  

noun

1. extensive and continuous care and treatment provided for an acutely ill patient, usually in a specially designated section ( intensive care unit ) of a hospital

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Etymology

Origin of intensive care

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

But after not hearing from her for two days, dad Nic frantically rang around hostels where she had been staying, before locating her in the intensive care unit of a Goa hospital.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The sick doctor received a monoclonal antibody treatment secured by HHS during transport and intensive care on arrival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Waldorf’s job, treating critical patients in the intensive care unit, had taught her to compartmentalize, to stay cool under pressure.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Sixteen people had to be hospitalized, with 10 needing intensive care, and one person died, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

I could be half-dead in an intensive care unit and that would be the first question Lou Ann asked.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko