soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

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

soother noun

Synonyms

• assure
• cheer
• comfort
• console
• reassure
• solace

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

With its customizable lighting, soothing sounds, and smart sunrise alarm, the aesthetically pleasing Hatch Restore 2 creates an ideal environment for a restful night’s sleep and even better morning. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2024

Coconut moisturizes skin to prevent dryness, while aloe soothes the skin. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 July 2024

These are the top 10 spots in the country for a soothing soak, according to USA Today. —Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 13 July 2024

Look for products specifically formulated to target seborrheic dermatitis, as they are designed to soothe the skin and prevent further irritation. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

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

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul