Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

alienist

noun

/ˈeɪ.li.ən.ɪst/

Definition

A mental health professional, particularly a psychiatrist, who assesses and treats individuals involved in legal cases.

Examples

The court appointed an alienist to evaluate the defendant’s mental competency.
During the trial, the alienist testified about the psychological condition of the accused.

Meaning

The term ‘alienist’ historically refers to someone who specializes in psychiatry, especially in the context of legal situations where an individual’s mental state is questioned.