solatium

noun

so·​la·​ti·​um sō-ˈlā-shē-əm How to pronounce solatium (audio)
plural solatia sō-ˈlā-shē-ə How to pronounce solatium (audio)
: a compensation (such as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings

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In legal circles, a solatium is a payment made to a victim as compensation for injured feelings or emotional pain and suffering (such as the trauma following the wrongful death of a relative), as distinct from payment for physical injury or for damaged property. Like many legal terms, solatium, which first appeared in English in the early 19th century, is a product of Latin, where the word means solace. The Latin noun is related to the verb solari, which means "to console" and from which we get our words solace and console.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin solacium, solatium, from Latin, solace

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solatium was in 1817

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Dictionary Entries Near solatium

Cite this Entry

“Solatium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solatium. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

solatium

noun
so·​la·​ti·​um sō-ˈlā-shē-əm How to pronounce solatium (audio)
plural solatia
-shē-ə
: compensation for grief or wounded feelings (as from the wrongful death of a relative)
Etymology

Late Latin solacium, solatium, from Latin, solace

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