nocebo effect
noun
: the development of adverse side effects or worsening in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to medical treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
With a nocebo effect, if test subjects believe there may be side effects, they often experience them. Again, expectations shape reality.—
Sanjay Gupta
Sanjay GuptaExamples of nocebo effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The data clearly indicated that a nocebo effect was occurring – in other words, participants were experiencing an entirely psychological phenomenon in which a harmless substance causes a harmful effect.
—Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2014
The relevance of the nocebo effect is not limited to clinical trials.
—Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2012
Or a nocebo effect when expectations make people feel worse rather than better.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2010
The placebo effect also has a shadowy twin: the nocebo effect.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2017
The nocebo effect is another important aspect of mindset.
—Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Scientific American, 7 Dec. 2022
Marino, who watched the video, told the San Diego Union-Tribune a nocebo effect could explain Faiivae's reaction since his symptoms did not suggest an overdose.
—Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2021
The psychology of myalgias involves the nocebo effect, the flip side of the placebo effect.
—Richard Klasco, New York Times, 1 June 2018
The researchers also pinpointed areas of the brain that seemed to be involved in the nocebo effect overall.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Oct. 2017
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Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2014
The relevance of the nocebo effect is not limited to clinical trials.
—Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2012
Or a nocebo effect when expectations make people feel worse rather than better.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2010
The placebo effect also has a shadowy twin: the nocebo effect.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2017
The nocebo effect is another important aspect of mindset.
—Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Scientific American, 7 Dec. 2022
Marino, who watched the video, told the San Diego Union-Tribune a nocebo effect could explain Faiivae's reaction since his symptoms did not suggest an overdose.
—Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2021
The psychology of myalgias involves the nocebo effect, the flip side of the placebo effect.
—Richard Klasco, New York Times, 1 June 2018
The researchers also pinpointed areas of the brain that seemed to be involved in the nocebo effect overall.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Nocebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nocebo%20effect. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nocebo effect
noun
: the development of adverse side effects or worsening in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to medical treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
With a nocebo effect, if test subjects believe there may be side effects, they often experience them. Again, expectations shape reality.—Sanjay Gupta, Chasing Life: New Discoveries In The Search For Immortality …
Sanjay Gupta, Chasing Life: New Discoveries In The Search For Immortality …The placebo effect has an evil twin: the nocebo effect, in which dummy pills and negative expectations can produce harmful effects.—Helen Pilcher, New Scientist
Helen Pilcher, New ScientistLove words? Need even more definitions?
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