palliation

/pælɪˈeɪʃən/

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French palliation, from Latin palliare (“to cloak; to conceal”), from Latin pallium (“cloak”). By surface analysis, palliate + -ion.

palliation means the alleviation of a disease's symptoms without a cure; temporary relief. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 79 out of 100.

Why this word is great

PALLIATION — [Noun] The act of alleviating the symptoms of a disease or problem without addressing its underlying cause. From the Latin palliare ("to cloak, to conceal"), from pallium ("cloak"). Unlike a "cure," which seeks to banish the intruder entirely, or an "exacerbation," which pours salt upon the wound, palliation is the compassionate act of draping a cloth over the mess. It is the morphine drip quieting the pain's scream, the diplomatic platitude smoothing a raw tension, and the fresh coat of paint applied to the rotting sill—a kindness that acknowledges the deep flaw by choosing, for now, not to look. It is the cloak of mercy thrown over the unchangeable, acknowledging that some cold drafts are eternal, and warmth must be borrowed, never owned.

noun

The alleviation of a disease's symptoms without a cure; temporary relief.“The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite. There is something humiliating about it.”
Extenuation; mitigation.“The strong hand of the law is around your life and your wealth, but he who takes from you all that renders them valuable, the chances are, that his offence will find palliation and excuse; nay, that the laughers will be on his side.”