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panacea

noun

/ˌpanəˈsiːə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of panacea

A supposed universal remedy or solution that can cure or alleviate all ills, problems, or difficulties.
"The scientist claimed that his new discovery was a panacea for cancer."

Detailed meaning of panacea

It is a term often used metaphorically to describe something that is believed, often unrealistically, to be a cure-all or a solution to a wide range of problems. The concept of a panacea has deep historical roots in medicine and philosophy, with the word originating from Greek mythology, where Panacea was the goddess of universal remedy and healing. In modern language, a panacea can refer to various contexts, such as a specific medication that is erroneously believed to treat all diseases or a sweeping policy proposal thought to address all societal issues. However, the term is often used critically or skeptically, as true panaceas are rarely found in complex and multifaceted situations.

Example sentences containing panacea

1. Some people believe that money is a panacea that can solve all of their problems.
2. There is no single panacea for this historical violent dispute.
3. The party's manifesto is no panacea for the country's turmoil.
4. There is no panacea to reverse the company's poor economic outlook.
5. Sending more money to the conflict zone is no panacea for the troubled region.
6. He invented a panacea that treated a whole host of conditions.

History and etymology of panacea

The noun 'panacea' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek mythology. It is derived from the Greek word 'panakeia,' which is a combination of 'pan,' meaning 'all,' and 'akeia,' meaning 'cure.' In Greek mythology, Panacea was the goddess of universal remedy and healing, and she was believed to possess a potion that could cure all illnesses and ailments. Over time, the concept of a universal remedy that could solve all problems or difficulties became associated with the term 'panacea.' In English, 'panacea' describes a supposed cure-all or a solution that can cure or alleviate all ills, problems, or difficulties. The etymology of 'panacea' underscores its historical connection to the idea of a universal and comprehensive remedy, often seen as an ideal but rarely attainable solution in the complexities of the real world.

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Further usage examples of panacea

1. Many people believe that exercise is a panacea for all kinds of physical and mental health problems.
2. The new government policies were supposed to be a panacea for the country's economic woes, but they ended up causing more problems.
3. The company's new product was marketed as a panacea for all types of skin issues.
4. Many people turn to alternative therapies in search of a panacea for their chronic health conditions.
5. Some people believe that meditation is a panacea for stress and anxiety.
6. The new law was supposed to be a panacea for the issue of immigration, but it ended up causing even more controversy.
7. The ancient Greeks believed that the god Asclepius had the power to provide a panacea for any illness.
8. There is no single panacea for the rise in teenage depression.
9. Some people believe that technology is a panacea for all of society's problems.
10. The new drug was hailed as a panacea for depression by some, but others remained skeptical.
11. The politician promised that her plan was a panacea for the city's crime problem, but it ended up having little impact.
12. Many people search for a panacea to solve all their problems, but life rarely offers such simplicity.
13. The idea of a single panacea for global poverty is a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions.
14. Technology is often seen as a panacea for educational disparities, but it must be implemented wisely.
15. While love is a powerful force, it's not always a panacea for healing deep emotional wounds.
16. Economic growth alone cannot be a panacea for societal inequalities; we need systemic change.
17. Political leaders often promise a panacea during campaigns, but reality demands incremental progress.
18. Science has made remarkable strides, but it's not a panacea for every ailment that afflicts humanity.
19. The internet, once seen as a panacea for information access, also brings challenges of misinformation.
20. In medicine, there's no one-size-fits-all panacea; treatments must be tailored to individual needs.
21. The pursuit of happiness is not a panacea for a meaningful life; it's just one facet of it.
22. A healthy lifestyle is often touted as a panacea for longevity, but genetics also play a crucial role.
23. Education is a valuable tool, but it's not a panacea for breaking the cycle of poverty; support systems are essential.