soothe

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ingrown nails will be trimmed; calluses, corns, and loose skin will be removed; cracked heels or other problem areas will be soothed. Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 The hero ingredient is heartleaf extract, which studies have shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties perfect for soothing, calming, and toning down redness. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2024 Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea can soothe cold symptoms, like a sore throat. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024 Happy Hygge Gifts Hygge Gift Box $47 Surround them with a little warmth and hygge with this soothing gift box, which comes complete with a soft fleece throw blanket, their beverage of choice (hot chocolate or chai tea, anyone?), a reusable tumbler, a chocolate bar, and a wooden ornament. Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for soothe 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of soothe was in 1617

Dictionary Entries Near soothe

Cite this Entry

“Soothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soothe. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

soothe

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on soothe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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