assuage

 
Pronunciation: /əˈsweɪdʒ/

verb

[with object]
  • make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense: the letter assuaged the fears of most members
  • satisfy (an appetite or desire): an opportunity occurred to assuage her desire for knowledge

Derivatives

assuagement

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French assouagier, asouagier, based on Latin ad- 'to' (expressing change) + suavis 'sweet'