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Definition of psychiatry

psychiatry

/səˈkaɪ.ə.tri/
psy · chi · a · try
Adverb:psychiatrically
•
Adjective:psychiatric
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psychiatry Lexical Profile

psychiatry Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Example

"After completing medical school, she chose to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for psychiatry

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'psychology': psychiatry is a branch of medicine practiced by licensed physicians (psychiatrists) who can prescribe medication, whereas psychology is the broader scientific study of mind and behavior and is typically practiced by non-physicians.

• Rhymes for psychiatry

• Nearby Words

psychedelic
psychiatric
psychiatrist
psychiatry
psychic
psychically
psycho

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1808 by the German physician Johann Christian Reil as 'Psychiatrie', formed from Ancient Greek 'psyche' (soul, mind) and 'iatreia' (healing, medical treatment).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Psychiatry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/psychiatry
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