alleviation
AmericanEtymology
Origin of alleviation
First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin alleviātiōn-, stem of alleviātiō, from alleviāt(us) “lightened” ( see alleviate) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Alleviation is relief from something that's disagreeable. Even though you love cats, you need a break from them sometimes if you ever hope for any alleviation of your allergy symptoms! This noun is used to describe the act of lessening discomfort, easing pain, or relieving anything that's unpleasant. The purpose of some medication is alleviation of pain, and the goal of certain government programs is alleviation of hunger and poverty. Alleviation is from the Medieval Latin alleviare, which means "to lift up or raise," but was figuratively used to mean "to lighten a burden."
Vocabulary lists containing alleviation
Novel Study: Wuthering Heights, Volume 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"When the sea is warm, we get less alleviation at nighttime because there's no coolness coming from the ocean. There's no sea breeze," Burgess said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
When Camille becomes the chair shortly after, she’s allowed the same alleviation.
From Salon ● Feb. 18, 2026
“Have the merciless persecutions and unutterable tortures of the dark ages not yet opened their eyes and enlarged their heart for the alleviation of their fellow men’s woes?”
From Slate ● Apr. 10, 2025
The World Bank gives money and cheap loans to developing countries for poverty alleviation and development.
From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2025
There was a remedy for fever; there was a recipe for alleviation of headache; there were instructions on making an ointment to treat burns.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
