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

He remains in intensive care and has been said by officials to be "doing better".

From BBC • May 8, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

One passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg and two others "require urgent medical care", the statement said.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

In addition to the three deaths, a fourth passenger was evacuated to a South African hospital and was in intensive care, and two crew members fell ill.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The team at the Mass General pediatric intensive care unit was waiting.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French