Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Assuaging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤲
Add to dictionary

assuaging

[əˈsweɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

relieving anxiety

To assuage means to make an unpleasant feeling less intense. It can refer to the act of calming fears or relieving pain, often in the context of providing comfort or reassurance to someone in distress.

Synonyms

alleviate, calm, ease, pacify, relieve.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke soothingly, trying to assuage his worries about the future.
  • The government took measures to assuage public concerns about safety.
  • He offered a warm hug, hoping to assuage her sorrow.
Context #2 | Verb

appeasing anger

Assuaging can also imply pacifying or calming someone who is angry or upset. In this sense, it emphasizes the idea of soothing someone's negative emotions and restoring peace.

Synonyms

appease, mollify, satisfy, soothe.

Examples of usage

  • They made a formal apology to assuage the anger of the community.
  • The CEO issued a statement to assuage the concerns of the employees.
  • To assuage her husband's irritation, she prepared his favorite meal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term is frequently found in classic literature, symbolizing the act of alleviating fears or pain, such as in Shakespeare's works.
  • In modern storytelling, assuaging is often used in narratives where characters seek comfort in difficult times.

Psychology

  • Assuaging can relate to emotional regulation, where individuals take steps to calm their anxious thoughts.
  • Techniques like mindfulness are part of assuaging practices, helping reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
  • Researchers note the importance of social support in assuaging distress in individuals facing trauma.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, comforting rituals, like preparing food, are ways to assuage grief or anxiety.
  • Movies often depict characters assuaging their fears by seeking friendship or guidance during challenging times.

Medicine

  • In medical contexts, assuaging can refer to pain management techniques used by healthcare professionals.
  • The phrase 'assuage symptoms' frequently appears in discussions about treating emotional or physical ailments.

Origin of 'assuaging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'assuage' comes from the Latin 'assuavare', which means to soften or to ease.
  • It entered the English language in the early 14th century, showcasing the influence of French on English vocabulary.
  • In historical texts, it often described lessening the severity of a punishment or a situation.

The word 'assuage' comes from the Old French 'assouagier,' which means 'to soften' or 'to make less severe.' This French term is derived from the Latin word 'assuaviare,' meaning 'to make sweet' or 'to sweeten.' The Latin root comes from 'suavis,' which translates to 'sweet.' The word has been in use in English since the 14th century, initially appearing in literary texts. Its meaning has consistently revolved around the notion of softening or making something less intense, whether it be feelings of fear, anger, or physical pain. Over the centuries, 'assuage' has maintained its relevance in both literary and conversational contexts, often used when discussing interpersonal relations and emotional situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,898, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.