placebo effect

noun

: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used

Examples of placebo effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Does that suggest in any way that the effects of psychedelics might be substantially—or perhaps entirely—placebo effects? —Gary Stix, Scientific American, 3 July 2024

However, critics argue that there’s insufficient evidence to support these claims, pointing to a potential placebo effect that makes the practice difficult to validate from a scientific point of view. —Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

The inclusion of a randomized, blinded placebo group would also be necessary to eliminate the potential for the placebo effect and other variables, Moriarty added. —Novella Lui, Health, 3 May 2024

This isn’t just a placebo effect either: early studies have found that compounds in CBD oils have been useful in pain treatment, including for intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

placebo effect

noun

: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used