v.
Pronunciation: a- ' l ā , ə -
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English alayen, from Old English ā lecgan, from ā - (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay ― more at ABIDE , LAY
Date: 14th century
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
synonyms see RELIEVE