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

Derived Forms

• ˈpalliatively, adverb

Other Words From

• palli·ative·ly adverb
• non·palli·ative adjective
• non·palli·ative·ly adverb
• un·palli·ative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palliative¹

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

Example Sentences

Streeting has repeatedly expressed his view that the palliative care system is not "where it needs to be to give people a real choice".

From BBC

He said the UK should instead fix its "broken and patchy palliative care system so everyone can have a dignified death".

From BBC

Groups who oppose changing the law say vulnerable people could feel under pressure to end their lives for fear of being a burden on others and that the focus should be on improving palliative care.

From BBC

The funeral for the comic, who died on 2 November aged 63 after receiving palliative care for terminal cancer, will take place at St Mary’s Cathedral in the city’s west end.

From BBC

She had been receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with cancer, which forced to cancel her 'Why Is She Still Here?' tour in September.

From BBC

Related Words

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