soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate

soothe a cough

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to

music soothes the soul

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

soother noun

Synonyms

• assure
• cheer
• comfort
• console
• reassure
• solace

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, try to soothe yourself back to sleep by visualizing something calming, like leaves floating down a stream or bubbles blowing through the air on a summer day. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Angham takes in all opinions and comments with a calm demeanor, soothing the room’s tension. —Omar Baqbouq, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Lower temperature and more hat-wearing can lead to a flaky scalp, but these dandruff shampoos can help soothe your skin. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024

Take the path that soothes your soul and offers greater opportunities to be yourself. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul