homeopathy

American  

[hoh-mee-op-uh-thee] / ˌhoʊ miˈɒp ə θi /

noun

1. the method of treating disease by drugs, given in minute doses, that would produce in a healthy person symptoms similar to those of the disease (opposed to allopathy).

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homeopathy British  

/ ˌhəʊmɪəˈpæθɪk, ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪst, ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪ, ˈhəʊmɪəˌpæθ /

noun

1. a method of treating disease by the use of small amounts of a drug that, in healthy persons, produces symptoms similar to those of the disease being treated Compare allopathy

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homeopathy Scientific  

/ hō′mē-ŏp′ə-thē /

1. A nontraditional system for treating and preventing disease, in which minute amounts of a substance that in large amounts causes disease symptoms are given to healthy individuals. This is thought to enhance the body's natural defenses.

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homeopathy Cultural  

1. A system of treating disease in which small doses of certain substances are administered; in large doses, given to a healthy person, these substances would produce the symptoms of the disease. The principles of homeopathy do not enjoy widespread acceptance in the medical community.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• homeopathically
  adverb
• homeopathic
  adjective
• homeopathist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of homeopathy

First recorded in 1820–30; homeo- + -pathy

Compare meaning

How does homeopathy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• homeopathy vs. allopathy

Example Sentences

As a young mother, she rejected traditional medicine in favor of homeopathy, then thought to be a form of quackery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The NFL said over 90% of its players are double-vaccinated but NFL star Aaron Rodgers, controversially endorsed homeopathy as an alternative form of immunisation against Covid-19.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2022

Everyone should respect his decision to try homeopathy over a coronavirus vaccine.

From Washington Post • Nov. 4, 2021

There is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for illnesses, the center said, citing a 2015 assessment by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council.

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2021

Don Apolinar Moscote made fun of his faith in homeopathy, but those who were in on the plot recognized another one of their people in him.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez