placebo effect

[pluh-see-boh]

noun

1. a reaction to a placebo manifested by a lessening of symptoms or the production of anticipated side effects.

placebo effect

noun

1. med a positive therapeutic effect claimed by a patient after receiving a placebo believed by him to be an active drug See control group

Word History and Origins

Origin of placebo effect¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

As early as 1999, Irving Kirsch, a lecturer at Harvard, began to explore the role of the placebo effect in antidepressant studies, asserting that the placebo response to medication was greater than any pharmacological effect.

From Salon

He warned a pineal cyst should only be removed in extremely rare circumstances, and believes the operations' successful results could be explained by the "placebo effect".

From BBC

But he wonders how often the treatment might cause a placebo effect.

From Salon

Despite anecdotal evidence from some of the world’s best athletes, it’s natural to wonder if it’s just a placebo effect or if there’s real science to support this wellness.

From Salon

The power of a psychological placebo effect, especially as it relates to sports — and on a global stage like the Olympics — cannot be underestimated.

From Salon