hospice

[ hos-pis ]

noun

1. a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers, etc., especially one kept by a religious order.
2. Medicine/Medical.
   1. a healthcare facility for the terminally ill that emphasizes pain control and emotional support for the patient and family, typically refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.
   2. a similar program of care and support for the terminally ill at home or in a nursing home.

hospice

/ ˈhɒspɪs /

noun

1. a nursing home that specializes in caring for the terminally ill
2. archaic.
   Also calledhospitiumhɒˈspɪtɪəm hospitiahɒˈspɪtɪə a place of shelter for travellers, esp one kept by a monastic order

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospice¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from French, from Latin hospitium “hospitable reception, entertainment”; hospitium

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospice¹

C19: from French, from Latin hospitium hospitality, from hospes guest, host ¹

Example Sentences

The hospice sector has warned that increased employer NI contributions and rising wage bills could create a shortfall of tens of millions of pounds next year.

From BBC

A Liverpool hospice which cares for babies and young children has been saved from closure after the local community raised more than £6m in a month.

From BBC

My recent employment has been as a hospice chaplain, ministering to dying people and their families.

From Salon

She received an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow from her hospice bed earlier this week.

From BBC

A line of Llandudno goats merchandise, including t-shirts and tote bags, quickly followed and has since raised thousands for the town's hospice.

From BBC

Related Words

• clinic
• emergency room
• health service
• infirmary
• nursing home
• sanitarium
• shelter
• ward