Meaning of the word palliate in English

What does palliate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

palliate

US /ˈpæl.i.eɪt/

UK /ˈpæl.i.eɪt/

make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause

Example:

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Doctors tried to palliate the patient's pain with medication.

•

The new policy aims to palliate the economic hardship, not eliminate it.

Synonym:

alleviate mitigate assuage ease relieve

disguise the seriousness or gravity of (an offense or mistake); excuse

Example:

•

He tried to palliate his rude remarks by claiming he was just joking.

•

It's hard to palliate such a serious ethical lapse.

Synonym:

excuse extenuate mitigate disguise cover up

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