Definition

A person or thing that makes a feeling less intense or severe.

Example

The counselor acted as an assuager, helping the students cope with their anxiety.

Conversation

I really need an assuager for my stress right now.

Have you thought about talking to someone about it?

Yeah, I think an assuager would really help me feel better.

Definitely! Sometimes just sharing your thoughts can lighten the load.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Assuager is derived from the Old French word 'assuager', which means to soothe or calm. The word combines 'a-' (a variant of 'ad-', meaning to) and 'suafer' (meaning to sweeten or soften). Thus, assuager means to bring comfort or to soften a situation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'soothing' or 'calming' a situation — 'a-' means to, and 'suafer' means to sweeten or soften.

Visually Confused Words