Meaning

(transitive) To make quiet or put at rest; to pacify or appease; to quell; to calm..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To make quiet or put at rest; to pacify or appease; to quell; to calm.
2. (transitive) To alleviate; to abate; to mitigate.
3. (intransitive, obsolete) To subside, abate, become peaceful.
4. (archaic) To mix (metals); to mix with a baser metal; to alloy; to deteriorate.
5. (archaic, by extension) To make worse by the introduction of inferior elements.
6. Alleviation; abatement; check.
7. (obsolete) An alloy.

Example Sentences

to allay popular excitement

to allay the tumult of the passions

O love, be moderate, allay thy ecstacy, […]

They were forced to try to allay discontent by palliative measures.

He had to pretend to be drunk in order to allay the suspicions which might have been aroused by his appearance at the gate.

Kissinger was obviously doing his best to allay our government's growing apprehension in connection with Nixon's forthcoming trip to Peking.

The trade show’s organisers had attempted to allay concerns by announcing more stringent health and safety measures including a ban on handshakes, and taking attendees’ temperatures.

to allay the severity of affliction or the bitterness of adversity

Word Forms

• allays
• allaying
• allayed
• alay

Synonyms for allay

Related Words

When Should You Use Allay?

Use allay when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions