intensive care

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of intensive care

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Before his passing, Alan used a wheelchair and spent a week in intensive care before returning to his Lehi, Utah, home on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

On her third visit, as Crain’s condition deteriorated, a doctor did not send Crain to the intensive care unit until he could confirm fetal demise with two ultrasounds.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

Operating theatres, intensive care units and even maternity wards have been relocated to protected subterranean spaces.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Of the 23 suspected and probable cases, all of whom are young adults and teenagers, two people have died and four were in intensive care as of Monday.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

A nurse took me to the intensive care ward.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson