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to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate:
to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain.
Contemporary Examples

Cochran also did little to alleviate concerns that he might have been too old for continued government service.
Thad Cochran Escapes Bitter Tea Party in Mississippi Ben Jacobs June 24, 2014

Most of them remain chained to their smartphones, scrutinizing the market to alleviate deal-making withdrawal symptoms.
The Hell of the Hamptons: Why the Exclusive Hotspot Is a Mind-Numbing Drag Robert Gold August 17, 2014

Practicing yoga, studies show, can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
9 Ways to Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder DailyBurn December 4, 2014

The State Department is negotiating with the leaders of those committees behind the scenes to alleviate concerns about the sale.
Obama Administration Pushes for Apache Helicopter Sale to Iraq Josh Rogin, Eli Lake August 13, 2013

What specific new technologies are you most excited about in terms of their potential to alleviate poverty?
5 Questions for Bill Gates: The Full Interview Dana Goldstein January 24, 2010

Historical Examples

The same reason which contributes to alleviate the guilt, must have tended to abate the vigor, of their persecutions.
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Edward Gibbon

To humor him and alleviate his evident distress of mind, they acceded.
The Black Bag Louis Joseph Vance

Here she was only regarded as a kind Englishwoman, unwearied in her efforts to alleviate suffering, mental and bodily.
Mrs. Warren’s Daughter Sir Harry Johnston

It will alleviate your fears when I tell you that we only remain a few days in town.
Sir Brook Fossbrooke, Volume I. Charles James Lever

The medicine only served to alleviate the agony of his last moments.
Great Ralegh Hugh De Selincourt

verb
(transitive) to make (pain, sorrow, etc) easier to bear; lessen; relieve
v.

late 15c., from Middle French allevier or directly from Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviare “to lighten,” from Latin ad- “to” (see ad-) + levis “light” in weight (see lever). Related: Alleviated; alleviating.