Which verb means to ease or relieve, especially fears or concerns?

• A. Assuage
• B. Belie
• C. Caustic
• D. Clandestine

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is choosing a verb that conveys calming or reducing fear and worry. Assuage captures that exactly: to ease or relieve a negative feeling, especially fear or concern, often through reassurance or soothing actions. In use, you can say something like, “The official statement assuaged the community’s fears about the plan,” which shows how reassurance lowers anxiety.

Belie means to give a false impression or to contradict the truth, so it doesn’t fit the idea of calming emotions. Caustic refers to harsh, biting language or substances that burn—again, not about reducing fear. Clandestine describes something secret or hidden, not about easing worries.