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hospital
/ˈhɒspɪtəl/
medical facility for treatment
She was taken to the hospital after the accident.
She was transported to a medical facility for emergency care.
Medicine
formal
A healthcare institution providing medical and surgical treatment.
The hospital has a specialized cardiac unit.
The medical facility includes a dedicated heart treatment department.
Visiting hours at the hospital are from 2 PM to 4 PM.
The healthcare institution allows guests during the specified afternoon window.
Often used interchangeably with 'medical center' in informal contexts, though technically hospitals typically provide inpatient care.
Collocations
general hospitala hospital treating all types of patientsemergency roomdepartment for urgent medical carehospital bedbed for inpatient treatment
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Plural Form
The plural of 'hospital' is 'hospitals'. Common mistake: adding an 's' to 'hospital' incorrectly (e.g., 'hospitals' not 'hospitals').
Gold Rule
Article Usage
Use 'the' before 'hospital' when referring to a specific one (e.g., 'She went to the hospital'), but omit it when referring to hospitals in general (e.g., 'Hospitals provide critical care').
Word Origin
From Old French 'hospital' (guest house, hospice), via Latin 'hospitale' (guest room), from 'hospes' (host, guest). Originally referred to a place of shelter for travelers or the poor, later evolving to include care for the sick.
Usage Notes
In British English, 'hospital' is typically used for both public and private facilities, while in American English, 'hospital' may imply a larger institution compared to smaller 'clinics'. Always capitalized when part of a proper name (e.g., St. Mary's Hospital).
Word Breakdown
hospit-
guest, host
root-al
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary