Meaning & Definition of word "Allay"

Allay

/əˈleɪ/

verb:

  • 1. to diminish or put to rest (fear, suspicion, or worry)
    • Example: The manager spoke to the team to allay their concerns about the upcoming project changes.
  • 2. to alleviate or relieve pain or discomfort
    • Example: She took a warm bath to allay the tension in her muscles after a long day.
  • 3. to calm or pacify someone
    • Example: The doctor tried to allay the patient's anxiety before the surgery.
  • 4. to lessen the intensity of something
    • Example: He hoped that the new policy would allay public fears about the safety of the product.
  • 5. to reduce or mitigate
    • Example: Efforts were made to allay the impact of the natural disaster on the local communities.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'aleggen', meaning to lay down.

Common Phrases and Expressions

allay one's fears:

to relieve someone's concerns or worries.

allay concerns:

to calm or reduce concerns someone may have.

allay doubts:

to dispel or diminish any uncertainties.

Related Words

alleviate:

to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

soothe:

to gently calm someone or make something less painful.

Slang Meanings of allay

Meaning: to chill out

Example Sentence: He just needs to allay and not overthink things.

Meaning: to ease up

Example Sentence: Let's allay the stress before the big meeting.