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alienism

alienism

9.9
Study and treatment of mental illness
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪliənɪzəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : alienismo
  • Although alienism is no longer practiced as such, its influence shaped modern psychiatry.

And he certainly was was quite interested in what at that time they called alienism.

Examples

  • In the 19th century, alienism was considered a distinct branch of medicine.

  • Many historical texts discuss alienism as a precursor to modern psychology.

  • The history of alienism reveals important shifts in attitudes toward mental health.

  • The field of alienism has evolved significantly over the years.

  • In the 19th century, alienism was considered a distinct branch of medicine that focused on mental health.

  • The history of alienism shows how attitudes toward the treatment of mental illness have changed over time.

  • Many historical texts discuss alienism as a precursor to the development of modern psychiatric practices.

Synonyms

psychiatry
vsalienism
  • Specialized
71 4.2

The part of medicine that helps people with mental health problems

is an old-fashioned term for that study and medical treatment

Surface Forms

alienism singular
alienisms plural

Morphology

alienism = alien (opaque) = alien + ism

The term 'alienism' is not directly derived from 'alien' in a way that is intuitive to modern learners, as it refers to a historical term for psychiatry.

Etymology

Alienism comes from the Latin alienus 'other' and from alienist, the old name for a doctor who treated people seen as 'alien' in their minds. That's why alienism once meant the study and treatment of mental illness.