Allay fears
/əˈleɪ fɪərz/
verb phraseB2phrase, base forms
Definition
"Allay fears" means to reduce or calm down feelings of fear or worry. When someone allays fears, they help others feel safer or more confident by giving good information, comfort, or proof that there is no danger.
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⚡ See It in Action
To reduce or calm feelings of fear or worry
- •The teacher allayed the students' fears about the exam by explaining the easy parts.
- •The government tried to allay fears of a shortage by showing enough food supplies.
- •Her kind words allayed my fears about the surgery.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "allay fears" like "calm worries," but stronger—it is to stop fears from growing or continuing.
- ✓Picture someone gently putting a hand on a scared child’s shoulder to make them feel safe.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you hear a clear explanation that makes you stop being scared.
- ✓Sounds like “uh-LAY fears” → imagine laying (putting down) your fears gently on the ground so they are no longer heavy.
- ✓Think of a doctor telling a patient their test results are good, and the patient’s fears go away.
- ✓NOT like "ignore fears" (pretend they don't exist), but "allay fears" means to actively reduce or remove them.
- ✓NOT like "create fears" (make people scared), but "allay fears" is the opposite—making people calm and safe.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Ease fears: to make fears less strong (Use when the fear is less serious or you want a softer tone)
- •Reduce fears: to make fears smaller in amount or strength (Use in formal or factual contexts)
- •Relieve fears: to take away some worries or stress (Use when talking about emotional comfort)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "allay" (verb meaning to reduce or calm) + "fears" (plural noun meaning feelings of worry or danger)
- •Etymology: "Allay" comes from Old English "alegan," meaning to put down or calm; "fear" comes from Old English "fǣr," meaning sudden danger or anxiety
- •Historical development: "Allay" has been used since Middle English to mean calming or reducing; combined with "fears" to describe making people less afraid
- •Modern usage: Common in news, speeches, and advice when someone wants to reduce worry or panic
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What are some situations where allaying fears is very important? Why?
•How can words or actions help allay fears better than ignoring them?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The doctor tried to allay fears by explaining that the illness ___ serious and can be treated easily.
2.When the news about the storm came, the mayor spoke to allay fears and ___ people to stay calm.
3.Unlike ignoring problems, to allay fears means to ___ them by giving good information.
4.She used gentle words to allay fears, which helped the children feel ___ and safe.
5.The company sent a letter to allay fears about job cuts, saying no one would be ___.
6.To allay fears, it is important to ___ clearly and honestly about what is happening.
7.When people’s fears are allayed, they usually feel more ___ and ready to act.