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

Treasury yields declined in Asian trade as hopes emerged that the Middle East conflict could end soon, alleviating investor concerns over both its inflationary and growth impact.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gold edged higher on signs of de-escalating Middle East tensions that could lead to lower oil prices and alleviate concerns over central banks’ rate increases.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a sign of Moscow’s possible agitation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is ready to provide financial and humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government, which has so far ruled out any form of rationing, has also sought to alleviate shortages by releasing oil from the national stockpile and lowering fuel standards.

From BBC

While surgery can help diagnose endometriosis and alleviate some of the pain, there is no cure for the condition and the symptoms are unpredictable.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay
• assuage
• ease
• mitigate