palliation

American  

[pal-ee-ey-shuhn] / ˌpæl iˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of relieving a patient’s suffering without curing the disease that is causing it.

   The Academy provides authoritative, evidence-based advice to support policy for the prevention, management, and palliation of cancer.

2. the act of mitigating or concealing the gravity of an offense by excuses, apologies, etc..

   No matter how events are viewed, there is no palliation for such crimes as the recent massacre of an entire family.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonpalliation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of palliation

First recorded in 1400–50, for a previous sense; palliat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Explanation

Patients with terminal diseases usually need palliation. It's a kind of care that makes you feel better, even though it can't cure you. The noun palliation is used by doctors, nurses, or hospice workers who try to make their patients more comfortable, often because their illnesses are incurable. You can also use the word to talk about anything that eases someone's pain or anxiety, like a funny movie that distracts your grandmother from her worries. The Latin root word is palliat, or "cloaked," and palliation does in a sense cloak or mask a person's pain.

Example Sentences

Nay, his would be found in the Event,—not only to be no Manner of Cure or Palliation of the present Evils, but even greatly to foment them, and also to engender many new ones.

From An Humble Address and Earnest Appeal to Those Respectable Personages in Great-Britain and Ireland, Who, by Their Great and Permanent Interest in Landed Property, Their Liberal Education, Elevated Rank, and Enlarged Views, Are the Ablest to Judge, and the Fittest to Decide, Whether a Connection with, Or a Separation from the Continental Colonies of America, Be Most for the National Advantage, and the Lasting Benefit of These Kingdoms by Tucker, Josiah

Palliation of the errors of a man placed in so terribly difficult a position is only just; but laudation of his statesmanship seems absurd.

From The Gracchi Marius and Sulla Epochs of Ancient History by Beesley, A.H.

Palliation may be found for the alleged arson mentioned in the catalogue of complaints that have excited British indignation.

From Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No 3, September 1863 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various