verb
palliate
Palliate (verb) means to ease the symptoms of an illness without curing it.
verb
1
To ease the symptoms of an illness without curing it.
"And if there are some bankers out there who are still embarrassed by the size of their bonuses, then I propose that they palliate their guilt by giving to the Mayor's Fund for London to help deprived children in London."
— Boris Johnson, The Evening Standard (2009)
2
To conceal something so that it goes unnoticed.
3
To make a fault or wrongdoing seem less serious by offering excuses.
4
To make something less harsh or severe.
"If, mindless of palliating circumstances, we are bound to regard the death of the Master-at-arms as the prisoner's deed, then does that deed constitute a capital crime whereof the penalty is a mortal one?"
— Herman Melville (1924)
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Etymology
The verb was inherited from Middle English palliaten (“To palliate (a disease), relieve the symptoms of (a patient); to extenuate (an offense); to conceal, hide”), the adjective and participle from its participle palliat(e); further borrowed either from Middle French pallier or directly from Latin palliātus, perfect passive participle of palliō (“to cover with a cloak”)), from pallium (“a cloak”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Related words
Rhymes for palliate
See all rhymes for palliate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of palliate?
"palliate" (verb) means to ease the symptoms of an illness without curing it.
What is another word for palliate?
Other words for "palliate" include extenuate, assuage, alleviate, mitigate, relieve.
What is the opposite of palliate?
Opposites of "palliate" include expose, aggravate.
What are the different meanings of palliate?
"palliate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To ease the symptoms of an illness without curing it; 2. To conceal something so that it goes unnoticed; 3. To make a fault or wrongdoing seem less serious by offering excuses.
