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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web There also appears to be a significant placebo effect that can influence addiction behavior. 
Harry Smith, NBC News, 24 Aug. 2022 Interestingly, perfumes in general provide a placebo effect, in that donning fragrance acts as a mood elevator, and can signal cleanliness and social status. Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 The placebo effect is likely behind some reports of CBD topicals’ efficacy. Scott Douglas, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2020 Both groups, though—whether holding the fake crystals or the real ones—reported similar impressions, suggesting the placebo effect could be at play. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2022 The consent form includes information that highlights the lack of clinical evidence behind the treatment and the possibility that any benefits experienced may be due to a placebo effect. Jonathan Moens, STAT, 4 June 2021 However, the placebo effect (the belief that a treatment works) may be responsible for any changes in focus or mood. Annaliese Griffin, Fortune, 11 June 2022 In the past, one explanation that had been offered for the apparent success of homeopathy trials is a strong placebo effect, generated by the extensive personal interaction between people seeking treatments and the practitioners. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2022 Sometimes there’s nothing to doctor, but the placebo effect of a Band-Aid cannot be overstated. Rachel Walker, Outside Online, 22 Apr. 2019 See More
Harry Smith, NBC News, 24 Aug. 2022 Interestingly, perfumes in general provide a placebo effect, in that donning fragrance acts as a mood elevator, and can signal cleanliness and social status. Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 The placebo effect is likely behind some reports of CBD topicals’ efficacy. Scott Douglas, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2020 Both groups, though—whether holding the fake crystals or the real ones—reported similar impressions, suggesting the placebo effect could be at play. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2022 The consent form includes information that highlights the lack of clinical evidence behind the treatment and the possibility that any benefits experienced may be due to a placebo effect. Jonathan Moens, STAT, 4 June 2021 However, the placebo effect (the belief that a treatment works) may be responsible for any changes in focus or mood. Annaliese Griffin, Fortune, 11 June 2022 In the past, one explanation that had been offered for the apparent success of homeopathy trials is a strong placebo effect, generated by the extensive personal interaction between people seeking treatments and the practitioners. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2022 Sometimes there’s nothing to doctor, but the placebo effect of a Band-Aid cannot be overstated. Rachel Walker, Outside Online, 22 Apr. 2019 See More 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