palliate

palliate (http://definr.com/palliate)

     v 1: lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of;
          "The circumstances extenuate the crime" [syn: extenuate,
           mitigate]
     2: provide physical relief, as from pain; "This pill will
        relieve your headaches" [syn: relieve, alleviate, assuage]