Main Entry: al·lay

Pronunciation: \a-ˈlā, ə-\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English alayen, from Old English ālecgan, from ā- (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay — more at abide, lay

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : alleviate <expect a breeze to allay the heat>
2 : to make quiet : calm <trying to allay their fears>intransitive verb obsolete : to diminish in strength : subside

synonyms see relieve