What does "alienist" mean?

An expert in mental illness, especially with reference to legal ramifications.

How do you pronounce "alienist"?

Pronounced //ˈeɪ.lɪ.ən.ɪst//.

Common synonyms include: adler, alienism, clinical psychologist, forensic psychiatrist, freud, horney.

/ˈeɪ.lɪ.ən.ɪst/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
An expert in mental illness, especially with reference to legal ramifications. dated
"‘Are you an alienist?’ I interrupted. ‘Every doctor should be - a little,’ answered that original, imperturbably."
2
a psychiatrist and specialist in the legal aspects of mental illness wordnet
3
A psychiatrist. dated

"‘Are you an alienist?’ I interrupted. ‘Every doctor should be - a little,’ answered that original, imperturbably."

Borrowed from French aliéniste, from aliéné (“insane”).