palliate

[ pal-ee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pal·li·at·ed, pal·li·at·ing.

1. to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
2. to try to mitigate or conceal the gravity of (an offense) by excuses, apologies, etc.; extenuate.

palliate

/ ˈpælɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to lessen the severity of (pain, disease, etc) without curing or removing; alleviate; mitigate
2. to cause (an offence) to seem less serious by concealing evidence; extenuate

Derived Forms

• ˈpalliˌator, noun
• ˌpalliˈation, noun

Other Words From

• pal·li·a·tion [pal-ee-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• pal·li·a·tor noun
• un·pal·li·at·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palliate¹

First recorded in 1540–50, palliate is from the Late Latin word palliātus cloaked, covered. See pallium, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of palliate¹

C16: from Late Latin palliāre to cover up, from Latin pallium a cloak, pallium

Example Sentences

To palliate the effects of the reform, Élisabeth Borne has promised easier ways to retire early for people in dangerous or physically demanding jobs; steps to encourage older people back into the workforce; and a higher guaranteed minimum pension.

From BBC

His thoughts on transience — essentially, “if no moment ever returns, we should appreciate all the more each moment that is given us” — palliate Monet’s otherwise terrifying vision.

From Washington Post

Rhys drank heavily to palliate her burdens, and was known for tirades and other skunky behavior.

From New York Times

His companions suggested only what could palliate imprudence, or smooth objections; and by the time they had talked it all over together, and he had talked it all over again with Emma, in their walk back to Hartfield, he was become perfectly reconciled, and not far from thinking it the very best thing that Frank could possibly have done.

From Literature

It requires plaintiffs to demonstrate a “distinction, exclusion or preference” based on a prohibited ground such as “race, color, sex … a handicap or the use of any means to palliate a handicap” that impairs the full and equal exercise or recognition of a freedom or right under the law.

From Washington Post