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

The sick doctor received a monoclonal antibody treatment secured by HHS during transport and intensive care on arrival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Still in her hospital bed, connected to feeding tubes and life support, Hollie is the first patient to try out the new intensive care rooftop ward at King's College Hospital in south London.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Waldorf’s job, treating critical patients in the intensive care unit, had taught her to compartmentalize, to stay cool under pressure.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Sixteen people had to be hospitalized, with 10 needing intensive care, and one person died, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

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

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