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

Two of the paratroopers jumped in tandem with an intensive care nurse and intensive care doctor, who will provide help to the island, which usually has a two-person medical team.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Two hantavirus cases have been confirmed -- including one of the fatalities and a British passenger currently in intensive care in Johannesburg -- with five further suspected cases, the WHO said earlier.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

He is in intensive care, with hantavirus confirmed on May 2.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Six people have been sickened, including one who is in intensive care in South Africa.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Finally, finally, Dad showed up to tell me that the doctors said Mom had a serious infection, and she caught it from one of her patients in intensive care.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead