alleviate

[ uh-lee-vee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, al·le·vi·at·ed, al·le·vi·at·ing.

1. to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate:

   to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain.

   Synonyms: assuage, relieve, abate, diminish, lighten

   Antonyms: intensify, aggravate, strengthen, increase

alleviate

/ əˈliːvɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to make (pain, sorrow, etc) easier to bear; lessen; relieve

Usage

See ameliorate

Derived Forms

• alˈleviˌator, noun
• alˈleviative, adjective
• alˌleviˈation, noun

Other Words From

• unal·levi·ated adjective
• unal·levi·ated·ly adverb
• unal·levi·ating adjective
• unal·levi·ating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alleviate¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English alleviaten, from Late Latin alleviātus “lightened,” past participle of alleviāre “to lighten, relieve,” from al- al- + levi(s) “light in weight” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of alleviate¹

C15: from Late Latin alleviāre to mitigate, from Latin levis light

Example Sentences

In addition, applications of cognitive psychotherapy, even brief interventions, can help adolescents understand their symptoms and alleviate the strain they cause.

From Science Daily

Particularly in capsule form, which releases the active ingredient slowly in the body, fampridine has shown effects on cognitive performance in MS patients: for some, it alleviates the mental fatigue that can accompany MS.

From Science Daily

Recipients of these programs experience increased food, housing and medical security, but also the mental health benefits of alleviated anxiety about their survival.

From Salon

Head teachers said the scheme alleviated pressure on families, but also on school staff, who no longer needed to put families forward to check if they were eligible.

From BBC

Yet for the past three years she has been given a monthly injection to chemically induce menopause, pausing her periods in an effort to alleviate her symptoms.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay
• assuage
• ease
• mitigate