What does the verb "assuage" mean?

The verb "assuage" means to make easier or relieve, particularly in the context of alleviating pain, distress, or sadness. This term is often used when someone is trying to smooth over a difficult situation or ease someone's fears or worries. For example, if someone is anxious about an upcoming exam, a friend might assuage their worries by offering reassurance or support. The key aspect of "assuage" is its connotation of calming or soothing something that is troubling or difficult.

In contrast, the other choices reflect actions that are contrary to the concept of alleviating or easing discomfort. To intensify or provoke implies increasing difficulty or discomfort, while ignoring completely goes against the idea of addressing issues. Complicating a situation suggests making it harder, which also diverges from the essence of alleviation that "assuage" embodies.