Assuagement

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈsweɪd͡ʒmənt/

Definitions

1. The process of reducing unpleasant emotions or stress by offering comfort and understanding
2. The act of soothing or calming feelings of distress through care and empathy
3. The act or process of lessening physical or emotional suffering by providing relief or consolation

Etymology: "Assuagement" is a plain formation: the verb "assuage" with the suffix "-ment" added to make a noun for the act or result of assuaging. The verb itself came into English from Old French "assuagier," which traces back to Latin "suavis," meaning "sweet" or "agreeable." The idea underneath is making something sweeter or milder, which is why a suffering can be assuaged by being softened rather than removed. The suffix does most of the work in the noun. It descends from Latin "-mentum," which marked the result of an action, and it entered English through Old French "-ment," so words such as "judgement" and "movement" share the same ending. Speakers attached it to existing verbs freely, which is how a noun meaning the easing of suffering could be built directly from "assuage" without a separate native or classical ancestor.

Synonyms: relief, soothing, alleviation

Antonyms: intensification, aggravation