Another Word For Placebo

Meaning

The term "placebo" refers to a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect but is often used in clinical trials or as a control in medical research. Placebos are typically harmless and may be used to compare the effects of a new medication to that of an inactive substance. The term also applies in a broader sense to any intervention that provides psychological benefits to patients, even if the treatment itself lacks any active therapeutic ingredients.

Synonyms

• Sugar pill
• Dummy treatment
• Inactive substance
• Sham treatment
• Non-therapeutic agent

Antonyms

• Drug
• Medication
• Treatment
• Cure
• Therapy

Etymology

The word "placebo" comes from the Latin "placebo," meaning "I shall please." It was originally used in a religious context referring to a service performed for the benefit of the dead, but over time, it has evolved to its current medical meaning.

Examples

1. In the clinical trial, half of the participants received the new drug while the others were given a placebo to measure the effect of the treatment.
2. Some patients experienced improvements in their symptoms after taking the placebo, demonstrating the power of the mind in healing.
3. The researchers concluded that the observed benefits were largely due to the placebo effect rather than the actual medication.
4. The use of a placebo can help doctors understand how much of a treatment’s effect is due to the treatment itself and how much is due to patients' expectations or beliefs.