In English vocabulary, what is the word used for a supposed remedy that is believed to cure all diseases or solve all problems?

Introduction / Context:
Many competitive exams test vocabulary through one word substitutions, where a phrase is replaced by a single, precise word. One common phrase describes a remedy or solution that is supposed to cure every illness or solve every difficulty. Even though such a universal cure does not really exist, the English language has a specific word for this idea. This question asks you to identify that word.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is a remedy for all diseases or a solution to all problems.
• Options include Antiseptic, Lyric, Narcotics, and Panacea.
• We assume basic English vocabulary taught at school level.

Concept / Approach:
The word panacea comes from Greek roots meaning all healing and is used in English to refer to a supposed cure for all diseases or a solution that is claimed to fix every problem. Antiseptic is a substance that prevents the growth of bacteria and is used to clean wounds, but it does not cure all illnesses. Lyric relates to poetry and song and is not a medical or problem solving term. Narcotics are drugs that dull the senses or relieve pain but are often addictive and certainly not universal cures. Therefore, panacea is the correct one word substitution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the phrase a remedy for all diseases or a solution for every problem. Step 2: Recall that the word panacea is commonly used in sentences like There is no panacea for all social problems. Step 3: Recognise that antiseptic refers to germ killing substances, lyric refers to song or poetry, and narcotics are pain relieving drugs, none of which match the meaning of a universal cure. Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options by matching their dictionary meanings with the phrase given in the question. Step 5: Select panacea as the only option whose meaning fits the description exactly.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by consulting standard English dictionaries, which define panacea as a remedy for all diseases or a solution for all difficulties or problems, often used in an exaggerated or figurative sense. In contrast, antiseptic will be defined in connection with preventing infection, lyric with poetry, and narcotic with pain relief and drowsiness. This confirms that panacea is the correct word for the phrase in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Antiseptic is a useful medical substance but not a cure for all diseases. Lyric is entirely unrelated to medicine or problem solving; it refers to a type of expressive writing or songs. Narcotics may relieve pain but can be harmful and are certainly not universal remedies. None of these words expresses the idea of an all purpose cure or solution, so they are unsuitable as one word substitutions here.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may choose antiseptic because it is associated with medicine and healing, without paying attention to the universal aspect of the phrase. Others may not be familiar with the word panacea and thus guess randomly. Learning common one word substitutions like panacea, omnipotent, omnipresent, and others can significantly improve performance in vocabulary sections of exams.

Final Answer:
The word for a supposed remedy that cures all diseases or solves all problems is Panacea.