verb · C2

Allay

uh-LAY/əˈleɪ/

To allay is to make fear, doubt, or pain less strong (formal): allay fears, allay suspicion. Calm and ease are everyday; assuage (already in the dictionary) is a close C2 twin (often feelings/hunger). Ally is a partner — a lookalike. Do not allay a deficit with a slogan.

Meaning

To make a fear, doubt, or pain less strong (formal).

Examples

“A dated FAQ did not allay panic once the portal went dark.”
“A dated FAQ did not allay panic once the portal went dark at 9 a.m.”
“Ease fears is everyday. Assuage grief is a cousin. Ally (noun) is a friend. Alley is a lane. You allay an emotion or a suspicion, not a budget hole.”

Good to know

Calm (fear or doubt). Everyday: ease / calm. Close: assuage. Mix-up: ally (partner). Feelings, not a deficit.

Near in meaning

assuage

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