allay

[uh-ley]

allay Definition

• 1. to make (something) less severe or intense
• 2. to calm or relieve (fear, suspicion, or worry)
• 3. to reduce the intensity of (something); lessen

Using allay: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "allay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government took steps to allay public fears about the safety of the vaccine.

• Example

  She tried to allay her guilt by making amends.

• Example

  The company made an effort to allay concerns about its financial stability.

allay Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for allay

• reduce
• diminish
• lessen
• mitigate
• alleviate

Antonyms for allay

• aggravate
• intensify
• heighten

Phrases with allay

• allay someone's fears

  to calm or reassure someone who is afraid or anxious

  Example

  The doctor tried to allay my fears about the surgery.

• allay suspicions

  to remove or dispel doubts or mistrust

  Example

  The evidence helped to allay suspicions that he was involved in the crime.

• allay doubts

  to remove or dispel uncertainty or hesitation

  Example

  The professor's explanation helped to allay doubts about the accuracy of the research.

Origins of allay

from Old English 'alecgan', meaning 'to put down'

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Summary: allay in Brief

'Allay' [uh-ley] means to make something less severe or intense, to calm or relieve fear, suspicion, or worry, or to reduce the intensity of something. It can be used in phrases like 'allay someone's fears' or 'allay suspicions.' Synonyms include 'reduce,' 'diminish,' and 'mitigate,' while antonyms include 'aggravate' and 'intensify.'