Assuager: meaning, definitions and examples

😌

Add to dictionary

assuager

[əˈsweɪdʒər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

A person or thing that soothes or comforts; a reliever of distress or sorrow.

Synonyms

comforter, reliever, soother.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assuager	Used in more formal or literary contexts to describe someone or something that alleviates pain, distress, or anxiety. The gentle music acted as an assuager of her worries. His words served as an assuager of the community's fears.
comforter	Commonly used to describe a person or thing that provides comfort and reassurance, often in times of emotional distress or sorrow. It can also refer to a type of bed covering. She was a great comforter to her friend during the difficult times. He wrapped himself snugly in the comforter on a cold winter night.
reliever	Often used to describe a person or thing that eases pain or a difficult situation, commonly in medical or stressful contexts. The pain reliever helped ease his headache. Taking a walk served as a good stress reliever.
soother	Typically used to describe something that calms agitation or reduces pain, often in the context of babies or minor irritations. The baby fell asleep as soon as he was given his soother. The cream acted as a soother for her irritated skin.

Examples of usage

He was seen as an assuager of pain and suffering.
The music acted as an assuager to his troubled mind.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotions

To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.

Synonyms

alleviate, ease, mitigate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assuager	Typically used in a more specific or old-fashioned context, often in literature or formal speech, to describe someone or something providing comfort or relief, especially from distress or sorrow. The kind words of the assuager calmed her troubled mind
alleviate	Commonly used in a general or medical context to describe reducing the severity, pain, or difficulty of a problem or symptom. These pills should help alleviate your headache Efforts to alleviate poverty are ongoing
ease	Used in both formal and informal settings, especially to describe making something less severe, intense, or difficult, often related to physical pain or a burden. The ointment helped ease the pain of the burn She needs to ease her workload to reduce stress
mitigate	Frequently used in legal, formal, or technical contexts to describe actions taken to make a problem or situation less severe or harmful. New policies were introduced to mitigate climate change Efforts to mitigate the impact of the crisis are in place

Examples of usage

He tried to assuage her guilt by confessing his own mistakes.
The apology did little to assuage his anger.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from Middle English 'assuagen', meaning to lessen or relieve.
It originates from the Latin word 'assuaviare', which means to soften or ease.
The prefix 'ad-' means to, and the root 'suavis' means sweet, highlighting the idea of sweetening a tough situation.

Literature

Famous works often feature characters known as assuagers, such as comforting figures in tragedies helping others cope with loss.
In poetry, the act of assuaging emotions can be a common theme, representing the healing power of words or nature.
Classic literature often contrasts characters who exacerbate pain with those who serve as assuagers, illuminating different human responses to suffering.

Psychology

Studies indicate that having a supportive person can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Acts of kindness and compassion from others can trigger the release of oxytocin, which helps alleviate emotional pain.
Therapists often play the role of assuagers, guiding individuals through painful experiences and emotions.

Pop Culture

Movies often show a best friend as an assuager, providing comic relief amidst the drama to lighten the mood.
In music, lyrics frequently describe relationships where one partner acts as the assuager during tough times, creating deeper emotional connections.
Television shows often depict characters who are the emotional supports for others, making them relatable and appealing to audiences.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long discussed the importance of empathy and compassion as essential for being effective assuagers in society.
The idea of the 'noble assuager' reflects the notion that alleviating others' pains is a high moral duty.
In discussions of existentialism, finding ways to ease suffering is seen as a fundamental human goal.

Translations

Translations of the word "assuager" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acalmar

🇮🇳 शांत करना (shaant karna)

🇩🇪 beruhigen

🇮🇩 meredakan

🇺🇦 заспокоїти

🇵🇱 uspokoić

🇯🇵 和らげる (yawarageru)

🇫🇷 apaiser

🇪🇸 calmar

🇹🇷 yatıştırmak

🇰🇷 달래다 (dallaeda)

🇸🇦 يهدئ (yahdi)

🇨🇿 uklidnit

🇸🇰 upokojiť

🇨🇳 缓和 (huǎnhé)

🇸🇮 pomiriti

🇮🇸 róa

🇰🇿 тыныштандыру

🇬🇪 დამშვიდება (damshvideba)

🇦🇿 sakitləşdirmək

🇲🇽 calmar