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

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

Years ago, they had been driving home from the neonatal intensive care unit with their son, listening to BBC Radio 1, when they played a live version of Stargazing from Big Weekend in Luton.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The intensive care unit is this place where there are so many nurses, you can't hardly turn around without bumping into one, which I do as soon as we get there.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick