balm

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. something that makes you feel calm or happy when you are sad or worried.

n. something that has a comforting, soothing, or restorative effect on the mind or emotions.

“The quiet music was a balm to his tired mind after a long day.”

“For the grieving widow, the kind words of her old friends acted as a balm to her wounded spirit.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical

n. a sweet-smelling plant, like lemon balm, often used in tea or medicine.

n. any of several aromatic herbs of the mint family, especially Melissa officinalis.

“She grew fresh balm in her garden to make herbal tea in the summer.”

“The recipe calls for a handful of crushed lemon balm leaves to provide a subtle citrus undertone to the infusion.”

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

v. to make someone feel better or to make a pain less strong.

v. to soothe, mitigate, or alleviate pain or emotional distress.

“The cool evening air helped to balm his burning skin.”

“The poet sought to balm the collective sorrow of the nation through his elegiac verses.”