[al.lay] vb [ME alayen, fr. OE alecgan, fr. a- (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay--more at abide, lay] vt (14c) 1: to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity: alleviate "expect a breeze to ~ the heat"
2: to make quiet: calm ~ vi, obs: to diminish in strength: subside syn see relieve