Inpatient - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An inpatient is a patient who stays in a hospital or medical facility for treatment, observation, or care, typically for at least one night. This term contrasts with outpatient care.
Definition:
A patient who stays in a hospital for treatment or observation.
Synonyms:
hospitalized patient, resident patient, bedridden patient
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
outpatient, visitor
Common Collocations:
inpatient care, inpatient treatment, inpatient facility, inpatient services
Derivatives:
inpatients, inpatiently (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "inpatient" to describe someone admitted to a hospital for extended care, not just visiting or outpatient treatment.
Common Phrases:
inpatient admission, inpatient discharge, inpatient rehab
Etymology:
Derived from "in-" (inside) + "patient," first used in the early 20th century for hospital stays.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor recommended inpatient care for her recovery.
- 2. He became an inpatient after his surgery last week.
- 3. The hospital has a dedicated wing for inpatient treatment.
- 4. Inpatient services include meals and round-the-clock monitoring.