Don’t fear the needle! Learn the doctor’s reassuring words for a shot

The answer to this crossword question is “Placebo“. The clue “Doctor’s reassurance before a shot is ITWONTHURT” suggests that the word being sought is related to the idea of reassuring patients in medical situations, particularly when they might be anxious or in pain. The phrase “it won’t hurt” is often used by doctors (and parents) to calm patients before an injection or any other medical procedure. A placebo is a substance or treatment that has no real therapeutic effect but is given to patients because they believe it will help them. The word “placebo” fits this crossword clue well since it connects the idea of a doctor reassuring a patient with the notion of giving them a harmless but comforting treatment.