- LL. alleviare, fr. L. ad + levis light. See AleggeLevity
- To lighten or lessen the force or weight of.ObsShould no others join capable to alleviate the expense.Those large bladders . . . conduce much to the alleviating of the body [of flying birds].
- 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.
- To extenuate; to palliate.RHe alleviates his fault by an excuse.To lessen; diminish; soften; mitigate; assuage; abate; relieve; nullify; allay.
