hippocratic facies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Historically, it was considered a very reliable sign of impending death. In modern medicine with advanced life support, it indicates extreme physiological crisis but is not an absolute predictor, as intervention can sometimes reverse the underlying cause.

No. It is a physical sign resulting from severe systemic illness, dehydration, and metabolic disturbance (e.g., from advanced cancer, sepsis, peritonitis). Mere anxiety or sadness does not produce it.

It is attributed to Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), the ancient Greek physician, in the book 'Prognostics' of the Hippocratic Corpus.

It is generally considered insensitive and unhelpful to use this specific technical term with patients or families. Clinicians would communicate the grave seriousness of the condition in clearer, more compassionate language without using the jargon.

A distinctive, pinched facial appearance observed in critically ill or dying patients, traditionally associated with imminent death.

Hippocratic facies is usually formal, medical, technical in register.

Hippocratic facies: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɪp.əˌkræt.ɪk ˈfeɪ.ʃiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɪp.oʊˌkræt̬.ɪk ˈfeɪ.ʃiˌiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.