This is the 5474th most frequent Dutch word.
lourdes
"Lourdes" refers to the French town known for its Catholic pilgrimage site, associated with the Virgin Mary.
Here, 'Lourdes' refers to the religious site known internationally for its spiritual significance and healing properties.
We gingen op pelgrimstocht naar Lourdes om spirituele vrede te vinden.
We went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes to find spiritual peace.
In this case, 'Lourdes-effect' metaphorically denotes a miraculous healing, taking inspiration from the miracles associated with Lourdes.
De behandeling gaf me geen Lourdes-effect, maar ik voel me wel een beetje beter.
The treatment didn't give me a Lourdes effect, but I do feel a bit better.
Once again, 'Lourdes' is mentioned to denote the physical location famous for religious pilgrimages and experiences.