doctor

doc|tor¹ W1S2 [ˈdɔktə US ˈda:ktər] n

[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: doctour, from Latin doctor 'teacher', from docere 'to teach']

1.) written abbreviation Dr

someone who is trained to treat people who are ill

▪ She was treated by her local doctor .

▪ You should consult your family doctor for further advice.

go to/see/visit a doctor

▪ I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr Pugh.

▪ His doctor prescribed him some antibiotics. (=ordered drugs for him by writing an official note)

the doctor's informal (=the place where your doctor works)

▪ 'Where's Sandy today?' 'I think she's at the doctor's .'

▪ a busy doctor with over 2000 patients on her list

2.) someone who holds the highest level of degree given by a university

▪ a Doctor of Law

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WORD FOCUS: doctor

similar words: physician (especially AmE), GP (BrE), consultant, registrar

a doctor who does operations: surgeon

a doctor who treats mental illnesses: psychiatrist, psychotherapist, shrink (informal)

a doctor who treats people's teeth: dentist, orthodontist

a doctor who treats animals: vet, veterinarian (especially AmE)

someone who is training to be a doctor: medical student, intern (AmE)

the place where you go to see your doctor: surgery (BrE), office (AmE)

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doctor ²

doctor² v [T]

1.) to dishonestly change something in order to gain an advantage

▪ He had doctored his passport to pass her off as his daughter.

▪ There are concerns that some players have been doctoring the ball.

2.) to add something harmful to food or drink

▪ Paul suspected that his drink had been doctored.

3.) to remove part of the sex organs of an animal to prevent it from having babies

= ↑neuter

▪ You should have your cat doctored .

4.) to give someone medical treatment, especially when you are not a doctor

▪ Bill doctored the horses with a strong-smelling ointment.