To soothe means to make someone feel calmer, more comfortable, or less upset. When your younger sibling scrapes their knee, you might soothe them by speaking gently and helping them feel better. A parent soothes a crying baby by rocking them softly or singing a lullaby.

The word works for physical comfort too. A cool cloth can soothe a sunburn, taking away some of the sting and heat. Warm tea with honey soothes a sore throat. Medicine might soothe an upset stomach.

You can also soothe someone's worries or fears. If your friend is nervous before a big presentation, you might soothe their anxiety by reminding them how well they've prepared. A teacher's calm voice can soothe a classroom that's getting too rowdy or anxious.

Something soothing has a calming effect: soft music, a warm bath, or even the steady sound of rain. The word suggests gentleness and care. You don't soothe someone by shouting at them to calm down (that rarely works). Instead, soothing means creating conditions that help someone naturally feel more peaceful and relaxed.