hospice
UK: ˈhɒspɪs | US: ˈhɑːspɪs
n. a facility or program providing care for the terminally ill
n. a shelter for travelers or pilgrims (historical)
hospice = hosp<host/guest> + ice<noun suffix>
- hosp (from Latin hospes, meaning "host" or "guest")
- ice (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating a place or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "hospice" traces back to Latin hospitium, meaning "guesthouse" or "hospitality." It evolved through Old French hospice to denote a place of shelter for travelers, reflecting the shared root with "hospital" (a place of care). By the 19th century, it specialized in end-of-life care, retaining the original idea of shelter but with a medical focus.
She volunteered at a local hospice to support patients with terminal illnesses.
The medieval monastery served as a hospice for weary pilgrims.
Modern hospices prioritize pain management and emotional comfort.
His donations helped build a new hospice wing.
The hospice staff provided compassionate care during her final days.