allay

/a-ˈlā/

Middle English alayen, from Old English ālecgan, from ā- (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay

verb

  1. to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : alleviate

  2. to make quiet : calm

  3. to diminish in strength : subside

expect a breeze to allay the heat

relieve alleviate lighten assuage mitigate allay mean to make something less grievous. relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable. alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.