soothe
/suːð/
Definition
To make someone feel calmer, less anxious, or less painful.
Example
Soft music can soothe a restless child at bedtime.
Show translation
Soft music can calm a restless child at bedtime.
Etymology
From Old English *sōðian*, meaning "to confirm or prove true," derived from *sōð* ("true, genuine"). The sense shifted in the 17th century from "to assent or pacify by agreement" to "to calm or relieve," likely through the idea of speaking reassuring truths to someone. Related to the archaic noun *soothsayer* (a truth-teller or prophet).
Cultural note
The phrase "soothe the savage beast" is a common misquote — the original 1697 line by William Congreve reads "music has charms to soothe a savage breast." The mix-up is so widespread in English that most native speakers have never encountered the original. Worth knowing if you want to impress!