Definitions

1. noun

A psychiatrist who specializes in the study and treatment of mental disorders, especially those related to sex or perversion; a specialist in the study of the abnormal.

“The alienist’s expert opinion was crucial in understanding the motivations behind the serial killer’s actions.”

2. noun

In the 19th century, a term for a doctor or psychiatrist who specialized in the study of mental illness, especially in relation to the criminal justice system.

“The detective consulted with the alienist to unravel the mystery surrounding the aristocrat’s death.”