adjective / noun
palliative
PAL-ee-uh-tiv/pˈæliʌtɪv/
Relieving symptoms or discomfort without resolving the underlying cause.
Palliative care eases her pain but does not cure the disease.
Etymology
The image of 'cloaking' a disease shifted toward mitigating its effects. A palliative treatment eases the patient's symptoms without curing the underlying condition.
In context
End-stage lung cancer: one group with palliative care, a similar group without. The group with palliative care reported less pain, less depression.
More examples
- The medication serves as a palliative while doctors investigate the cause.
- He receives palliative treatment to help him breathe more comfortably.
- Short-term grants are palliatives, not a solution to chronic underfunding.
Forms
palliative · palliatives
palliate verb — Ease symptoms without curing their cause.
palliation noun — Relief of symptoms without a cure.
Similar words
- symptomatic
- Describes treatment aimed at symptoms rather than their underlying cause.
- soothing
- Emphasizes calming discomfort, without implying anything about a cure.