placebo
UK: pləˈsiːbəʊ | US: pləˈsiːboʊ
n. a substance or treatment with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs or to satisfy a patient's expectation.
n. (archaic) a harmless pill or procedure prescribed for psychological benefit rather than any physical effect.
The word "placebo" originates from the Latin phrase "Placebo Domino" ("I shall please the Lord"), the opening words of a medieval Christian funeral rite. Over time, it evolved to describe flattery or sycophancy, then shifted to medicine in the 18th century to denote inert treatments given to "please" patients. The modern scientific usage reflects its role in clinical trials, where it "pleases" by mimicking real treatment without active effects.
The control group received a placebo instead of the experimental drug.
Some patients report improvements even when taking a placebo.
The doctor prescribed a placebo to ease the patient's anxiety.
Placebo effects highlight the power of the mind in healing.
Ethical debates surround the use of placebos in medical practice.