This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Health & Medicine. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
restore someone to full health
The rehabilitation team hopes to restore the patient to full health after the infection.
terminate a pregnancy
The clinic provides neutral information to patients who choose to terminate a pregnancy.
adverse reaction
The rash was an adverse reaction to the new medication.
undergo a comprehensive assessment
After the fall, the older patient had to undergo a comprehensive assessment.
a decent night’s sleep
Patients benefit from a decent night’s sleep after surgery.
reduce their stress level
Short breaks can help employees reduce their stress level during demanding shifts.
lull the patient to sleep
The nurse used a quiet story to lull the patient to sleep.
infectious disease
The outbreak was traced to an infectious disease spread by contaminated water.
make a full recovery
With prompt treatment, he was able to make a full recovery.
massive heart attack
The patient suffered a massive heart attack shortly after arriving at hospital.
respond well to treatment
The patient began to respond well to treatment after the dosage was adjusted.
keep their balance
After the concussion, he struggled to keep his balance.
shiver down her spine
The sudden sound sent a shiver down her spine.
cramped conditions
The crowded shelter created cramped conditions that increased infection risk.
poor sanitary conditions
Crowded shelters with poor sanitary conditions can allow disease to spread quickly.
have an operation
She will have an operation to repair the damaged tendon.
develop antibiotic resistance
Misusing antibiotics can allow bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance.
run into difficulties
The surgical team may run into difficulties when a patient's blood pressure drops.
suffer from a chronic disease
Many people suffer from a chronic disease that requires long-term care.
in a state of shock
After the accident, the passengers were in a state of shock.
hasten the patient's death
The ethics committee debated whether an intervention could hasten the patient's death.
course of medication
The doctor prescribed a short course of medication for the infection.
slur their words
A stroke can cause patients to slur their words.
streaming cold
She stayed home with a streaming cold rather than visit the ward.
exceed the recommended dose
Patients should never exceed the recommended dose printed on the label.
undergo major surgery
After the scans revealed internal bleeding, she had to undergo major surgery to stop the bleeding.
critically ill
The ward admitted a critically ill patient overnight.
clinically proven
The treatment is clinically proven to reduce symptoms in some patients.
premature death
Smoking is linked to a higher risk of premature death.
pronounced the patient dead
The doctor pronounced the patient dead at the scene.