Allay

To reduce fear, suspicion, or concern without necessarily removing its cause.

Reach for it when describing reassurance supported by useful evidence

Published test results helped allay residents' concerns.

• everyday

  calm

  visible agitation needs to settle

  not when Calming someone does not answer the reason for concern.

• everyday

  ease

  the intensity of discomfort should be reduced

  not when Ease is broader and can concern pain or workload.

• warm

  reassure

  a person needs restored confidence

  not when Reassurance can be empty when no evidence addresses the concern.

• warm

  soothe

  gentle comfort is more important than argument

  not when Soothing can patronize someone with a justified concern.

• professional

  mitigate

  risk or severity is being reduced through action

  not when Mitigate addresses the hazard, not the feeling it caused.

• formal

  dispel

  evidence removes a mistaken fear or doubt

  not when Dispel is stronger and implies the concern disappears.

• aggravate
• alarm
• intensify

• allay fears

  Independent monitoring helped allay fears about the water.

• allay concerns

  The warranty may allay concerns about repair costs.

• help allay

  Clear signage will help allay first-time visitors' uncertainty.