therapist

American  

[ther-uh-pist] / ˈθɛr ə pɪst /

noun

1. a person trained in the use of physical methods, as exercises, heat treatments, etc., in treating or rehabilitating the sick or wounded or helping patients overcome physical defects.

2. a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.

3. Also therapeutist a person, as a doctor, skilled in therapeutics. therapeutics.

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ˈtherapist British  

/ ˈθɛrəpɪst /

noun

1. a person skilled in a particular type of therapy

   a physical therapist

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Etymology

Origin of therapist

First recorded in 1885–90; therap(y) + -ist

Compare meaning

How does therapist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• psychologist vs. therapist

Example Sentences

She also nailed her poignant portrayal of a grieving, angry therapist in the second season of “The Last of Us.”

From Salon

More recently, she portrayed ousted studio head turned film producer Patty Leigh in the Apple TV comedy “The Studio” as well as widowed therapist Gail in HBO’s survival drama “The Last of Us.”

From Los Angeles Times

I think I’m honestly still processing because I was joking, but kind of not, like I want to talk to my therapist about why I let this go.

From Los Angeles Times

With the support of her mother and stepfather, Fleming worked with a therapist and a doctor and started to socially and medically transition, according to the Times.

From Los Angeles Times

My therapist said fresh food made her dog sick.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adviser
• analyst
• clinician
• doctor
• physician
• psychiatrist
• psychoanalyst
• psychologist
• psychotherapist