5K

Placebo

UK //pləˈsiːbəʊ// US //pləˈsiːboʊ// Pronunciation

Definition

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A fake treatment that looks real but has no active effect.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a placebo to the patients in the study.
• The placebo helped some patients feel better, even though it contained no medication.
• Many clinical trials use a placebo to test efficacy.
• The placebo effect can sometimes lead to real improvements in health.

Usage notes

Commonly used in medical contexts during clinical trials or discussions about treatment efficacy. Less formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'play-sebo' - imagine playing with a toy that looks like a real medicine.

Collocations

• placebo effect
• placebo group
• placebo-controlled trial

Synonyms

• dummy
• sugar pill
• inactive treatment
• sham
• counterfeit

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'placebo effect' - they are not the same.
• Using it improperly in non-medical contexts.
• Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'c' sound.