# soothe

/ˈsuð/ (US) · /sˈuːð/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soothe
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make someone feel calmer or less upset. It can also mean to make a part of your body feel less painful.

For teachers: to alleviate pain, distress, or agitation; to exert a calming or pacifying influence. Often describes the reduction of physical inflammation or emotional turbulence.

## Examples

- The mother sang a song to soothe the crying baby.
- Applying a cold compress can help soothe the skin after a minor burn or insect bite.
- The diplomat's carefully chosen words were intended to soothe the rising tensions between the two nations before the formal negotiations began.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes a person or a physical sensation as its direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.