assuage
uh-SWAYJverbMeaning to make a bad feeling, such as hunger, pain or guilt, less strong
Memory hook A SAUSAGE to ASSUAGE his hunger. After a long day of hiking, Jamal’s stomach growls. One hot sausage from the campfire assuages his hunger.
A tall glass of lemonade assuaged our thirst after the long hike.
In context Nothing could fully assuage Ada’s guilt about forgetting her best friend’s birthday, but the handmade card she sent the next morning helped a little.
Similar ease, relieve, lessen, alleviate
Opposite worsen, intensify, aggravate
From Old French assouagier, from Latin ad (to) + suavis (sweet, pleasant): to sweeten a bitter feeling.