Definition of Therapy

Therapy: The treatment of disease.

Therapy is synonymous with treatment, as for example:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is treatment that suppresses a retrovirus such as HIV.
• Brachytherapy is treatment given by placing radioactive material directly in or near the target, often a tumor.
• Chemotherapy is treatment with drugs ("chemicals") to kill cancer cells.
• Pulmonary therapy is the treatment of respiratory problems and so is also called respiratory therapy.

The word "therapy" comes from the Greek "therapeia" meaning "a service, an attendance" which, in turn, is related to the Greek verb "therapeuo" meaning "I wait upon." Therapy was (and is) a service done to the sick.