Palliate

/ˈpælieɪt/

Definition 1 of 3

Pro Tip 1/3

Not a cure

Remember 'palliate' emphasizes relief, not a complete solution to a medical issue.

Illustration for Not a cure

The hospice care team used therapy to palliate his symptoms, but there was no cure.

Pro Tip 2/3

Emotional relief

'Palliate' is also used metaphorically to suggest making emotional distress less painful.

Illustration for Emotional relief

She tried to palliate her friend's grief with gentle words.

Pro Tip 3/3

Temporary relief

Understand 'palliate' often implies a temporary reduction of symptoms.

Illustration for Temporary relief

The ice pack palliated the swelling for a few hours.

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Compare with

AlleviateDiminishEaseLessenMitigateModerateReduceSoothe

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