alleviate

[uh-lee-vee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

alleviated, alleviating 

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

Other Word Forms

• alleviator noun
• alleviative adjective
• alleviation noun
• unalleviated adjective
• unalleviatedly adverb
• unalleviating adjective
• unalleviatingly 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

Some Labour MPs are also campaigning for extra spending to alleviate child poverty by reversing the two-child benefit cap.

From BBC

Facility administrators built a tented area outside the main building to process arriving detainees, but it wasn’t enough to alleviate the overcrowding, Louisdor said.

From Los Angeles Times

The 111xpantia funding will help Alvarado alleviate the stress of having to take out additional loans and allow him to focus his energy and resources on his campaign, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers say in the United States people are using kratom to alleviate anxiety, treat chronic pain or as a remedy for the symptoms associated with quitting opioids, among other uses.

From Los Angeles Times

It alleviated the pressure and unblocked the cerebral spinal fluid so it could flow from the brain to her spine.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay 
• assuage 
• ease 
• mitigate