alleviate

American  

[uh-lee-vee-eyt] / əˈli viˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

alleviated, alleviating

1. to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate.

   to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain.

   Synonyms:

   assuage, relieve, abate, diminish, lighten

   Antonyms:

   intensify, aggravate, strengthen, increase

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alleviate British  

/ əˈliːvɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make (pain, sorrow, etc) easier to bear; lessen; relieve

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Other Word Forms

• alleviation noun
• alleviative adjective
• alleviator noun
• unalleviated adjective
• unalleviatedly adverb
• unalleviating adjective
• unalleviatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of alleviate

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English alleviaten, from Late Latin alleviātus “lightened,” past participle of alleviāre “to lighten, relieve,” from al- al- + levi(s) “light in weight” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

Companies are offering products they said can alleviate gastrointestinal issues common in infants, and help optimize young children’s gut microbiomes.

From The Wall Street Journal

That can “alleviate some stress, but clearly cannot replace” the full volume that normally transits through the strait.

From MarketWatch

Throughout Monday’s call, Ellison sought to alleviate concerns that the merger would simply usher in more layoffs and dizzying programming cuts, which have become the hallmark of Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times

That can “alleviate some stress, but clearly cannot replace” the full volume that normally transits through the Strait.

From MarketWatch

She finds deep pressure, like weighted blankets, helps alleviate the sensation.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay
• assuage
• ease
• mitigate