alienist Definition
a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in the legal aspects of mental illness, particularly in relation to issues such as criminal responsibility and fitness to stand trial.
Using alienist: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alienist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The court appointed an alienist to evaluate the defendant's mental state.
Example
The alienist testified that the defendant was not fit to stand trial.
Example
The novel 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is a historical fiction about a group of alienists investigating a serial killer in New York City.
alienist Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for alienist
- psychiatrist
- psychologist
- mental health expert
Phrases with alienist
a specialist in forensic psychiatry who evaluates defendants' mental states in criminal cases
Example
The criminal alienist concluded that the defendant was not responsible for his actions due to his mental illness.
civil alienist
a specialist in civil law who evaluates individuals' mental states in non-criminal cases, such as custody battles or personal injury claims
Example
The civil alienist testified that the plaintiff's mental health had been severely impacted by the accident.
a specialist who provides expert advice on mental health issues in legal cases but does not evaluate individuals directly
Example
The consulting alienist advised the defense team on how to approach the defendant's mental illness in court.
Origins of alienist
from French 'aliéniste', from Latin 'alienare' meaning 'to estrange'
Summary: alienist in Brief
An 'alienist' [ˈeɪliənɪst] is a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in the legal aspects of mental illness, particularly in relation to issues such as criminal responsibility and fitness to stand trial. They are often appointed by courts to evaluate defendants' mental states and testify in legal cases. The novel 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is a historical fiction about a group of alienists investigating a serial killer in New York City.
