hospice
UK[ˈhɒspɪs]US[ˈhɑːspɪs]
n
a home providing care for people who are very ill and are dying
n
a program of medical and emotional care for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness
Morpheme Breakdown
hosp
ice
hosp
host, guest
ice
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'hospice' traces its lineage directly to the latin 'hospitium', which denoted hospitality, a guest-house, or an inn. this term itself derived from 'hospes', meaning both 'host' and 'guest', reflecting a reciprocal relationship of shelter and care. the concept evolved through medieval latin and old french, where it specifically referred to a house of rest for travelers, often run by religious orders. by the 19th century, its meaning specialized in english to denote a home for the terminally ill, thus preserving the original core idea of providing shelter and compassionate care, but for a specific group of vulnerable individuals.
Analysis
Structure: hosp (host, guest) + ice (noun suffix)
hosp originates from latin 'hospes' meaning 'host, guest, stranger'. ice is a noun-forming suffix from latin '-itia' or '-itium', indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
she spent her final weeks in a peaceful hospice, surrounded by her family.
hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment.
volunteers play a crucial role in supporting patients and families at the local hospice.