provendrug
nounUK /ˈprəʊvəndrʌɡ/
US /ˈproʊvəndrʌɡ/
A provendrug is a pretend medicine that does not really make you better.
The doctor gave him a provendrug so he would feel brave.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A pill or liquid with no real medicine in it, used in tests.
Half the group got the provendrug and half got the real one.
3. Something that helps just because you believe it will.
Her lucky charm was a provendrug for her nerves.
4. A trick used to make someone think they are getting help.
The coach's pep talk was a provendrug for the tired team.