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

See Examples For:

intensive care

At the end of July, he fainted during a court hearing and was treated in intensive care.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

The door to the neonatal intensive care unit was locked, according to Jaweria, a woman who said she lost her infant in the blaze.

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

When Mark woke up in intensive care a couple of days later, there was "a lump where the right leg was and no lump where the left leg was".

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

It has not invested in modern technology at the same rate as other countries, and suffers from a lack of theatre space, intensive care beds and staff.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

“He’s in the intensive care unit. He had a pretty serious stroke, but they are hopeful they caught it in time,” my dad answers.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh