verb /ˈpalɪeɪt,ˈpæl.i.eɪt/
And if there are some bankers out there who are still embarrassed by the size of their bonuses, then I propose that they palliate their guilt by giving to the Mayors Fund for London to help deprived children in London.
b) To cover or disguise the seriousness of (a mistake, offence etc.) by excuses and apologies.
Browns options for the machinery of Whitehall are constrained, as for all prime ministers, by the need to palliate allies and hug enemies close (John Reid, say).
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