Placebo

Noun

Definition: a medicine or procedure prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient rather than for any physiological effect

Synonyms: Dummy pill, Inactive substance, Sugar pill

Antonyms: Effective treatment, Active drug

Examples:

The doctor prescribed a placebo to see if the patient's symptoms would improve.
The participants in the study were given either the placebo or the new drug.

Mnemonics:

"Placebo" sounds like "plausible," which refers to something that seems believable or trustworthy but may not have any real effect.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "placebo" meaning "I shall please." The word was originally used in prayers and funeral services.

Historical Usage:

The term "placebo" emerged in the medical field in the late 18th century to describe a substance given to a patient solely for psychological benefit.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Placebo effect"

Explanation:

Refers to the phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived improvement in their condition simply because they believe they are receiving an effective treatment, even if the treatment itself has no physiological effect.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing a placebo with a real medication.

Explanation:

A placebo does not contain any active ingredients and is given for psychological benefit rather than for any therapeutic effect. It is not intended to treat or cure a medical condition.