Remember 'palliate' emphasizes relief, not a complete solution to a medical issue. The hospice care team used therapy to palliate his symptoms, but there was no cure.
Pro Tip 2/3
Emotional relief
'Palliate' is also used metaphorically to suggest making emotional distress less painful. She tried to palliate her friend's grief with gentle words.
Pro Tip 3/3
Temporary relief
Understand 'palliate' often implies a temporary reduction of symptoms. The ice pack palliated the swelling for a few hours.