Alleviate

imp. & p. p. Alleviated; p. pr. & vb. n. Alleviating

1. To lighten or lessen the force or weight of. [Obs.]

   Should no others join capable to alleviate the expense.

   Those large bladders . . . conduce much to the alleviating of the body [of flying birds].

2. To lighten or lessen (physical or mental troubles); to mitigate, or make easier to be endured; as, to alleviate sorrow, pain, care, etc. ; -- opposed to aggravate.

   The calamity of the want of the sense of hearing is much alleviated by giving the use of letters.

3. To extenuate; to palliate. [R.]

   He alleviates his fault by an excuse.