palliate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To relieve the symptoms of; to ameliorate.

   And if there are some bankers out there who are still embarrassed by the size of their bonuses, then I propose that they palliate their guilt by giving to the Mayor's Fund for London to help deprived children in London.

2. 2
   verb

   To cover or disguise the seriousness of (a mistake, offence etc.) by excuses and apologies.

   April 5 1628, Bishop Joseph Hall, The Blessings, Sins, and Judgments of God's Vineyard We extenuate not our guilt : whatever we sin , we condemn it as mortal : they palliate wickedness , with the fair pretence of veniality.

3. 3
   verb

   To lessen the severity of; to extenuate, moderate, qualify.

   "Ah, dearest!" replied he, "your spirits are exhausted,—perhaps unconsciously oppressed with the idea of that future whose pain and whose peril I have rather heightened than palliated.".

4. 4
   adj

   (of a cure) superficial or temporary.

   All his industry and sales, did in your estate make but a palliate cure.

The verb was inherited from Middle English palliaten (“To palliate (a disease), relieve the symptoms of (a patient); to extenuate (an offense); to conceal, hide”), the adjective and participle from its participle palliat(e); further borrowed either from Middle French pallier or directly from Latin palliātus, perfect passive participle of palliō (“to cover with a cloak”)), from pallium (“a cloak”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).

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