alleviation

American  

[uh-lee-vee-ey-shuhn] / əˌli viˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of alleviating.

2. something that alleviates or palliates.

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Etymology

Origin of alleviation

First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin alleviātiōn-, stem of alleviātiō, from alleviāt(us) “lightened” ( see alleviate) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Alleviation is relief from something that's disagreeable. Even though you love cats, you need a break from them sometimes if you ever hope for any alleviation of your allergy symptoms! This noun is used to describe the act of lessening discomfort, easing pain, or relieving anything that's unpleasant. The purpose of some medication is alleviation of pain, and the goal of certain government programs is alleviation of hunger and poverty. Alleviation is from the Medieval Latin alleviare, which means "to lift up or raise," but was figuratively used to mean "to lighten a burden."

Example Sentences

Last January, the then Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended following public outrage over a corruption scandal.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

The department said the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which involves the construction more than five miles of flood defences, will protect at least 1,500 homes.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2023

Carrie Miller, director of the county’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative, said there are five requirements to be eligible for Breathe:

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022

"There's nowhere in Orange County where it's legal to be homeless," said Mohammed Aly of the Orange County Poverty Alleviation Coalition.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2018

This Sleep, which he might consider as some Alleviation of his Sufferings, if indulged, would prove his last.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

Related Words

• mitigation