allay
uh-LAYverbMeaning to make fear, worry or doubt less strong
Memory hook AL-LAY: LAY your fears DOWN. Before his checkup, Sami is scared, so Nurse Tia shows him each tool and lets him listen to his own heartbeat. Her kindness allays his fears.
The pilot’s calm voice allayed the nervous passengers’ fears.
In context Parents worried about the new playground, so the builders allayed their concerns by showing them the soft ground, the rounded corners and the safety report.
Similar ease, calm, relieve, lessen
Opposite arouse, stir up, increase
From Old English alecgan, “to lay down, to put aside.”