n.
Function: verb
1
Synonyms: RELIEVE 1, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, mollify
Related Words: deaden, dull; ameliorate, help
Contrasted Words: afflict, torment
2
Synonyms: LOOSE 5, ease off, lax, loosen, relax, slack, slacken, untighten
Related Words: disengage, free, release
Contrasted Words: bind, restrain, tighten
3 to make less difficult FF1C; new laws that will ease voting requirements FF1E;
Synonyms: facilitate
Related Words: aid, assist, better, help, improve; forward, further, promote, speed
Idioms: clear ( or prepare) the way (for), grease the wheels, open the door (to or for)
Contrasted Words: hinder, impede, retard