Soothen

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To bring a sense of calm and comfort to distress or agitation ; to ease pain or sorrow
2. Providing relief from discomfort or anxiety ; alleviating suffering or emotional turmoil
3. Offering gentle reassurance to reduce upset feelings ; lessening the intensity of pain or worry

Etymology: "Soothen" is a plain formation: the verb is built from "sooth" in the sense "pleasing, comforting, reassuring," with the verb-forming suffix "-en" added to it. The suffix is the same one found in words like "harden" and "lengthen," so the verb means, in effect, to make something soft, pleasing, or calm. The base word "sooth" carries an older meaning than its modern use. In its older sense it described what is pleasing or comforting, and the same root gave English the adjective "soothing." Adding "-en" turned that quality into an action: to soothe someone is to make them feel comforted and at ease.

Synonyms: soothe, calm, appease

Antonyms: irritate, agitate, anger, provoke, inflame