wonder drug

American  

noun

1. a drug, usually recently discovered or developed, noted for its startling curative effect, as an antibiotic or sulfa drug.

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Etymology

Origin of wonder drug

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

While Dr Chung sees no harm in healthy adults "trying it out", he also says results tend to be "minimal gains", adding that "it is not, by any means, a wonder drug".

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

The latest wonder drug is a semaglutide drug invented to help diabetics regulate blood glucose levels, but has the notable side-effect of severe weight loss.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2023

“I think whipping people up into thinking this was a wonder drug was unconscionable,” he said.

From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2023

For Emma, meanwhile, the blush of first love is like a wonder drug attacking the pressures of the rink, and it might mean even more.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2022

He was happy, relaxed, self-assured, pleased as punch, like someone who had been terminally ill and, when all seemed lost, had been cured by some wonder drug and was now ready to conquer the world.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane