palliative meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

palliative

adj

UK /ˈpælɪətɪv/ · US /ˈpælieɪtɪv/

Etymology From Middle French palliatif, from New Latin *palliātīvus, from Medieval Latin palliō (“to cloak”), from Latin pallium (“a cloak”).

Serving to palliate; serving to extenuate or mitigate.

Medicine, Sciences Minimising the progression of a disease and relieving undesirable symptoms for as long as possible, rather than attempting to cure the (usually incurable) disease.

Derived terms: nonpalliative, palliative care, palliatively, palliativist
Related terms: palliate, palliation

palliative

noun

Etymology From Middle French palliatif, from New Latin *palliātīvus, from Medieval Latin palliō (“to cloak”), from Latin pallium (“a cloak”).

Medicine, Sciences Something that palliates, particularly a palliative medicine.

The radiation and chemotherapy were only palliatives.
Mary heard with sorrow, and fear also, of the projected journey; but the altered expression of Isabella's countenance was a great palliative—dreadful as it was that her husband should love another...1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXVIII, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 66: