Assuage

Verb

Definition: To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense or severe; to alleviate or relieve.

Synonyms: Ease, Soothe, Lessen, Alleviate

Antonyms: Aggravate, Intensify, Exacerbate

Examples:

The doctor prescribed medication to assuage the patient's pain.
Music can assuage the sadness in one's heart.

Mnemonics:

Think of "assuage" as "a swage" (sounds like "a soothing"), which represents the act of soothing or easing something.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English "assoagen" < Old French "assaagier" < Vulgar Latin "adsuaviare" < Latin "ad-" (to) + "suavis" (sweet)

Historical Usage:

The word "assuage" has been used in the English language since the 14th century. It derives from the Latin word "adsuaviare," which means "to sweeten" or "to soften."

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Assuage one's thirst/hunger"

Explanation:

To quench or satisfy one's thirst or hunger, making it less intense or severe.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "assuage" with "soothe" or "relieve."

Explanation:

While "assuage" shares similarities with "soothe" and "relieve," it specifically emphasizes the act of making something (e.g., pain, desire) less intense or severe rather than simply providing comfort or alleviation.