alienists
|al-i-en-ists|
C1
/ˈeɪliənɪsts/
(alienist)
mental health specialist
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alienist' originates from French, specifically the word 'aliéniste,' where 'aliéner' meant 'to alienate' or 'to make insane.'
Historical Evolution
'aliéniste' transformed into the English word 'alienist' in the 19th century, maintaining its association with mental health professionals.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a doctor treating mental illness,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a psychiatrist, especially one who assesses the competence of a defendant in a court of law.
The court called upon an alienist to evaluate the mental state of the accused.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/21 19:06