soothe

soothe

verb \ˈsüth\

soothedsooth·ing

Definition of SOOTHE

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate <soothe a cough>

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to <music soothes the soul>

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

— sooth·er noun

Examples of SOOTHE

1. The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.
2. This cream soothes aching muscles.
3. Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.
4. Nothing can soothe their pain.

Origin of SOOTHE

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use: 1657

Related to SOOTHE

Synonyms: assure, cheer, console, reassure, solace, comfort

Antonyms: distress, torment, torture, trouble

Related Words: commiserate, condole, empathize, sympathize; boost, buoy (up), elevate, lift, uplift; allay, alleviate, assuage, relieve; calm, quiet, relax, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Near Antonyms: demoralize, discourage, dishearten; fret, upset, worry; aggravate, intensify, worsen; annoy, irk, irritate; harass, pester

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SOOTHE

smooth