palliation

[ pal-ee-ey-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·pal·li·a·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palliation¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

There was no excuse or palliation for this abominable persecution any more than there was for the burning of John Huss.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet the question would be answered; and without palliation, self-excusing, or retort, he meditated.

From Project Gutenberg

For the one, as we have been showing, there is a strong plea in palliation; for the other there is none.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case of Louisiana there can be neither excuse nor palliation for the misconduct of the Returning Board.

From Project Gutenberg