Definition

A substance that has no therapeutic effect, often used in experiments to test the effectiveness of a real drug by comparing results.

Example

The doctor gave her a placebo to see if her symptoms would improve without actual medication.

Conversation

Have you heard about the placebo effect in medicine?

Yeah, it's interesting how the mind can influence healing.

Exactly! Sometimes just believing something will work can make a difference.

It really shows how powerful our thoughts can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Placebo → It is derived from the Latin word "placebo" (meaning I shall please). The term originally referred to a treatment or remedy that is intended to please the patient rather than to have a direct therapeutic effect.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin phrase meaning 'I shall please' — this helps you remember that a placebo is something given to please or reassure a patient, even if it has no active therapeutic effect.

Visually Confused Words