The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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allay

verb

/əˈleɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of allay

To reduce or alleviate something such as fear, anxiety, pain, or discomfort.
"The kind words helped to allay his doubts."

Detailed meaning of allay

It can also refer to the act of calming or pacifying someone. It is often used to describe the process of making something less severe or intense. For example, a medication that allays pain is one that reduces or eliminates it.
In the same way, if someone is allaying someone's fears, it means that they are trying to calm or pacify them by providing reassurance or information that addresses the source of the fear. In literature, poetry and art, the term is often used to describe the process of calming or soothing an emotion, thought or a situation.

In general, allay refers to the act of reducing or alleviating something such as fear, anxiety, pain or discomfort and implies the act of calming or pacifying someone or something.

Example sentences containing allay

1. The gentle lullaby she sang did allay the baby's cries in no time.
2. The warm cup of tea will allay your anxiety after a long day.
3. He hoped the doctor's reassurance would allay her fears about the surgery.
4. The soft music playing in the background helped to allay the tension in the room.
5. Her kind words did little to allay his concerns about the future.
6. The company issued a statement to allay the concerns of the shareholders.

History and etymology of allay

The verb 'allay,' meaning to reduce or alleviate fear, anxiety, pain, or discomfort, has a rich etymology rooted in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'alecgan,' which meant to lay down or put down. Over time, 'alecgan' evolved into 'allegen' in Middle English, with the sense of laying aside or calming. Eventually, it transformed into 'allay' in modern English, maintaining its soothing connotation. This evolution reflects the idea of laying to rest or easing troubling emotions or sensations, making 'allay' a fitting term for soothing and mitigating distressing experiences.

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Further usage examples of allay

1. The principal's speech at the assembly helped to allay the students' fears about the upcoming exams.
2. The financial aid offered by the government will allay the burdens faced by the low-income families.
3. He tried to allay her fears by telling her that he would be home soon.
4. The medicine helped to allay the pain in her chest.
5. The sight of her mother helped to allay the little girl's fears.
6. The central bank took measures to allay the fears of a recession.
7. She knew that only time would allay her grief.
8. He hoped that a good night's sleep would allay his anxiety.
9. The hot soup helped to allay her cold symptoms.
10. The manager's calm demeanor helped to allay the anxiety of the employees.
11. She tried to allay his fears about the dark by telling him that there were no monsters.
12. He hoped that her explanation would allay his concerns about her whereabouts.
13. The captain's announcement helped to allay the passengers' fears about the turbulence.
14. She tried to allay her mother's concerns by calling her every day.