psychiatry

[ si-kahy-uh-tree, sahy- ]
/ sɪˈkaɪ ə tri, saɪ- /

noun

the practice or science of diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

Origin of psychiatry

First recorded in 1840–50; psych- + -iatry

OTHER WORDS FROM psychiatry

psy·chi·at·ric [sahy-kee-a-trik] /ˌsaɪ kiˈæ trɪk/, psy·chi·at·ri·cal, adjective psy·chi·at·ri·cal·ly, adverb non·psy·chi·at·ric, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH psychiatry

psychiatry psychology psychoanalysis psychotherapy

Words nearby psychiatry

psychedelic, psychiatric, psychiatric hospital, psychiatric social worker, psychiatrist, psychiatry, psychic, psychic bid, psychic determinism, psychic distance, psychic energizer

Example sentences from the Web for psychiatry

British Dictionary definitions for psychiatry

psychiatry
/ (saɪˈkaɪətrɪ) /

noun

the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness

Derived forms of psychiatry

psychiatrist, noun

Medical definitions for psychiatry

psychiatry
[ sĭ-kī′ə-trē, sī- ]

n.

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

Scientific definitions for psychiatry

psychiatry
[ sĭ-kī′ə-trē ]

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

Cultural definitions for psychiatry

psychiatry
[ (seye-keye-uh-tree, si-keye-uh-tree) ]

The medical science that studies and treats mental illness and mental maladjustment. Psychiatrists treat mental disorders; psychologists study mental activities, whether healthy or disordered. In the United States, psychiatrists usually hold the degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) and may prescribe medication for their patients.