mitigate
MIT-ih-gaytverbMeaning to make less severe or harmful
Memory hook MITT-igate: a big MITT softens the blow. A fast ball stings a bare hand, but a thick padded mitt softens the catch. The mitt helps mitigate the sting.
Planting trees along the river helped mitigate the spring floods.
In context The hikers could not stop the storm, but they could mitigate its dangers: they waited it out in a sturdy shelter and kept their extra clothes dry.
Similar lessen, reduce, soften, ease
Opposite worsen, intensify, aggravate
From Latin mitigare, “to soften,” from mitis, mild, gentle.