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

Just weeks later, Customs and Border Patrol officers killed Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2026

While sitting in the intensive care unit, Martin overheard another mother mention her daughter had the same condition.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

The man was ultimately in the hospital for 22 days, including 11 in the intensive care unit with a primary diagnosis of rocky mountain spotted fever and a secondary diagnosis of acute kidney injury.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

Singer Bonnie Tyler is out of a coma but remains very unwell in intensive care, a spokesperson has said.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 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