: of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal
therapeutic diets
They confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy. Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman
A just-right amount is the therapeutic dose, just enough to provide the intended effect without problems. Paul G. Donohue
2
: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
Warm lotion manicures … are a luxurious, therapeutic treat …Elle
… they painted, hoed, swept, and planted when the mood for therapeutic work struck them, and lolled on the beach when they felt like it. David Guterson
3
: producing a useful or favorable result or effect
In classical economics, before the illusion of fine-tuning became widespread, recessions were regarded as therapeutic. Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen
the therapeutic benefits of yoga Gardening can be very therapeutic. the therapeutic effects of radiation
Recent Examples on the WebTaking time away from the stage to grieve, Craig found that woodworking was therapeutic. Sandra Sobieraj Westfall, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2022 That’s why playing her was very therapeutic in a lot of ways. Ashley Garcia Lezcano, refinery29.com, 2 Aug. 2022 And though Kusijanović doesn’t suggest a clear way out of Julija’s entrapment, her young heroine has already done something therapeutic. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 There is something therapeutic about laughing at horror. Itxu Díaz, National Review, 12 Mar. 2022 There must have been something therapeutic for him in reinvestigating his father’s misdeeds, but there was a touch of masochism, too. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2022 Music for many was therapeutic these last two years. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 Mar. 2022 Reason #2: Interactive storytelling is therapeutic. Goldie Chan, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 Perhaps a little Keaton cosplay can be therapeutic, but true wisdom comes from time spent, not just an age swap. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Greek therapeutikos, from therapeuein to attend, treat, from theraps attendant