Definition of ALLEVIATE (original) (raw)
a
: to make (something, such as pain or suffering) more bearable
a drug that alleviates the symptoms
using relaxation techniques to alleviate stress
To draw customers, [Richard G.] Rosenberg became certified in pedorthics—an area that involves the design, make and modification of shoes to alleviate foot ailments.—
Dana Hedgpeth
b
: to partially remove or correct (something undesirable)
government programs to alleviate poverty
Enticing retirees into the work force to alleviate the current labor shortage …—Cullen Murphy
alleviation
noun
the alleviation of arthritic pain
… the stability of the developed world is as dependent on alleviation of problems in the third world as on the ability to keep the nuclear arms race under control. —Carl Marcy
alleviator
noun
plural alleviators
… firefighters' camaraderie with the city and with each other is the biggest stress alleviator, [former Boston Fire Commissioner Paul] Christian said. —Justine Hoffher
Did you know?
Now for a bit of light reading. Alleviate comes from Latin levis, meaning "having little weight." (Levis also gave rise to the English adjective light, as in "not heavy.") In its early days, alleviate could mean "to cause (something) to have less weight" or "to make (something) more tolerable." The literal "make lighter" sense is no longer used, and today only the "relieve" sense remains. Incidentally, not only is alleviate a synonym of relieve, it's also a cousin; relieve comes from levare ("to raise"), which in turn comes from levis.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for alleviate
took an aspirin to relieve the pain
alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.
the lotion alleviated the itching
lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.
good news would lighten our worries
assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.
ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat
mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.
the need to mitigate barbaric laws
allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.
Examples of alleviate in a Sentence
For decades, as you probably know, researchers have found that when you tell patients that you're giving them medicine, many report that their symptoms are alleviated, even if they're only taking sugar pills. —Daniel Zwerdling, Gourmet, August 2004 Granholm has spent the morning giving a major public address on state finance issues, courting local officials in meetings, and, in between, talking with me. We'd discussed the state of the Michigan economy and her ideas for developing a new high-tech corridor outside Detroit that focuses on homeland security innovation; we went over her ideas for alleviating overcrowding in the state's emergency rooms. —Jonathan Cohn, New Republic, 14 Oct. 2002 When applied in ointment form, capsaicin helps alleviate the discomfort of arthritis and psoriasis. Taken internally as a diluted tincture, it helps keep the blood flowing smoothly and strengthens the cardiovascular system. —Nina Simonds, Gourmet, September 2002 Ridley, a British journalist with a doctoral degree in zoology, does touch on the incredible potential of genetics for alleviating human misery. … But much of his remarkable book is focused on a higher plane of pure intellectual discovery. —Lee M. Silver, New York Times Book Review, 27 Feb. 2000 Before discussing what must be done to alleviate the environmental and social crises afflicting the globe, Chief Oren Lyons … of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, wanted to drive to a gym in Syracuse, New York, and watch his son shadowbox. —Paul Schneider, Audubon, March/April 1994
finding ways to alleviate stress a car pool alleviates some of the stress of driving the kids to and from school every day
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Soaking in a warm bath can also help alleviate cramping and back pain. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025 Assurances from administration officials have not alleviated concerns. —Chris Megerian, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 As of yet, there is not a scientific consensus on whether sulfur is a solution for eczema but anecdotal reports say that the soothing properties help to alleviate severe itching. —Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025 Compared to warm mist humidifiers, research suggests that cool mist counterparts could also be more effective at alleviating common cold and flu symptoms like sinus and respiratory discomfort. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alleviate 
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviare, from Latin ad- + levis light — more at light
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of alleviate was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near alleviate
Cite this Entry
“Alleviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleviate. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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