- Today's Word
Allay
uh-LAY
Definition
(verb) To reduce or relieve (fear, doubt, or concern).
Example
The leader’s calm tone helped allay the crowd’s rising panic.
Fun Fact
Allay has been used since the 14th century and originally referred to calming storms. Today it’s more commonly used in psychological or emotional contexts. You might allay someone’s fears, allay their concerns, or allay tension in a room. It’s often used when leaders, therapists, or teachers are trying to dial down intensity without dismissing it.
(verb) To travel in a slow, purposeful, or indirect way.
They wended their way through the hills, stopping to take in every view.
Old English wendan, meaning “to turn” or “go,” originally used to describe physical and metaphorical journeys.