placebo effect

[ pluh-see-boh ]
/ pləˈsi boʊ /

noun

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

Origin of placebo effect

First recorded in 1945–50

British Dictionary definitions for placebo effect

placebo effect

noun

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

Medical definitions for placebo effect

placebo effect

n.

A beneficial effect in a patient following a particular treatment that arises from the patient's expectations concerning the treatment rather than from the treatment itself.