palliative

[pal-ee-ey-tiv, -ee-uh-tiv]

adjective

1. serving to palliate.

noun

1. something that palliates.

palliative

/ ˈpælɪətɪv /

adjective

1. serving to palliate; relieving without curing

noun

1. something that palliates, such as a sedative drug or agent

Other Word Forms

• palliatively adverb
• nonpalliative adjective
• nonpalliatively adverb
• unpalliative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palliative¹

From the French word palliatif, dating back to 1535–45. See palliate, -ive

Example Sentences

Consultants eventually referred the grandfather for palliative care, firstly at home - where he was prescribed heavy dosages of morphine by the local health centre - and then at Borders General Hospital from 15 May 2023.

From BBC

He called the mayor's measures "palliative", and a case of "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted".

From BBC

Australian police said Murdoch had died of throat cancer in a palliative care unit, a day after the 24th anniversary of Mr Falconio's murder.

From BBC

The Northern Territory Department of Corrections told the BBC that Murdoch died in the hospital's palliative care unit, on 15 July, a day after the 24th anniversary of the killing.

From BBC

Media reports this week have suggested that Murdoch is suffering from terminal cancer and has been transferred to palliative care, but police have said they cannot comment.

From BBC

Related Words

• apology 
• approval 
• argument 
• basis 
• confirmation 
• explanation 
• pretext 
• rationale 
• rationalization 
• vindication