Gelotherapy
/ˌdʒɛloʊˈθɛrəpi/noun
The use of laughter as a therapeutic treatment or health-promoting practice.
Did you know?The first element comes from Ancient Greek gélōs, “laughter,” a word connected to ritualized laughter and theories that laughter could restore bodily balance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
γέλως (gélōs)
“Laughter”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γελάω (geláō)
“To laugh or smile”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θεραπεία (therapeía)
“Treatment, attendance, or healing care”
19th–20th Century
Scientific English
gelotherapy
“A modern formation combining Greek laughter with therapy”
20th Century
English
gelotherapy
“Treatment through laughter, especially as a complementary health practice”
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