nocebo
nounUK /nəʊˈsiːbəʊ/
US /noʊˈsiːboʊ/
A nocebo is when you feel sick just because you believe something bad will happen.
She felt a headache after reading the warning label, a nocebo effect.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A harmless substance or treatment that causes harm because a person expects it to.
The sugar pill acted as a nocebo and made him feel dizzy.
3. The harmful effect produced by negative expectations about a treatment.
Doctors must explain side effects carefully to avoid a nocebo response.
4. A situation where worrying about symptoms makes them seem real.
Her nocebo made the mild sting feel much worse.