cure-all

[kyoor-awl]

noun

1. a remedy for all diseases, ills, or difficulties; panacea.

cure-all

noun

1. something reputed to cure all ailments

Word History and Origins

Origin of cure-all¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

An herbal supplement that’s marketed as a cure-all for chronic pain and sold in gas stations and smoke shops is getting banned in communities across Southern California and the nation.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Common Side Effects” writers go to admirable lengths to explain why a cure-all mushroom could be hazardous; violence would soar, the medicine could fall into the wrong hands, evildoers would never die.

From Salon

Rather than connecting audiences with experts on such topics, however, they present evangelical-style faith as something close to a cure-all.

From Salon

It was the cure-all for every economic pain that ailed us.

From Salon

Like any fire prevention measure, private hydrants are not a cure-all, especially in the extreme conditions faced by firefighters during the first days of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elixir 
• magic bullet