allay

One entry found for allay.

Main Entry: al·lay
Pronunciation: a-'lA, &-
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English alayen, from Old English Alecgan, from A- (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay -- more at ABIDE, LAY
transitive verb
1 : to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : ALLEVIATE <expect a breeze to allay the heat>
2 : to make quiet : CALM <trying to allay their fears>
intransitive verb, obsolete : to diminish in strength : SUBSIDE
synonym see RELIEVE