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allay

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The definition of allay means to make better or decrease something that is unpleasant.

(verb)

An example of something that allays pain is morphine.

Allay is defined as to settle or calm someone or something.

(verb)

An example of a way to allay fear is to face what you are afraid of.

See allay in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb allayed, allaying

to put (fears, etc.) to rest; quiet; calm
to lessen, relieve, or alleviate (pain, grief, etc.)

Origin: ME alaien, alleggen, with confusion of form and meaning of OE alecgan (< a-, down + lecgan, to lay) & OFr alegier (<LL alleviare: see alleviate)

Related Forms:

allayer noun

See allay in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb al·layed, al·lay·ing, al·lays

To reduce the intensity of; relieve: allay back pains. See Synonyms at relieve.
To calm or pacify; set to rest: allayed the fears of the worried citizens.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English aleien

Origin: , from Old English ālecgan, to lay down

Origin: : ā-, intensive pref.

Origin: + lecgan, to lay; see lay ¹

Related Forms:

al·layˈer noun

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