Placebo

/pləˈsiːboʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A substance having no pharmacological effect but administered as if it were a medicine, often used in clinical trials as a control.

The study included a placebo group to compare the effects of the new drug.

An intervention that produces a psychological benefit without a physical effect.

The doctor recommended a placebo treatment to help alleviate the patient's anxiety.

A measure designed to appease or reassure someone without addressing a real issue.

The promises made by the management were seen as nothing more than a placebo to keep the employees calm.

From Latin placebo, meaning 'I shall please'.

placebo effect

The phenomenon in which a patient experiences a perceived improvement in condition due to believing they are being treated.

placebo group

A group of participants in an experiment that receives a placebo instead of the experimental treatment.

nocebo

A substance that causes harmful effects due to the patient's negative expectations.

treatment

The management and care of a patient to combat disease or injury.

A fake treatment or solution that is not meant to heal.

He didn't actually give his friend medicine; it was just a placebo.

A term used in wellness circles to describe ineffective remedies.

That herbal tea is just a placebo; it won't really cure anything.