Which word describes the act of making something easier or milder?

The word that describes the act of making something easier or milder is "assuage." It comes from a Latin root that conveys the idea of calming or alleviating something that is unpleasant or harsh. When you assuage a feeling, such as fear or pain, you are reducing its intensity, making it more bearable. In many contexts, assuaging can relate to emotions, tensions, or even difficult situations, effectively softening the impact or severity.

The other choices depict different meanings that do not align with the concept of making something easier. For instance, "burden" implies adding weight or difficulty to a situation, while "intensify" suggests an increase in strength or severity. "Obscure," on the other hand, means to make something less visible or unclear, which does not relate to easing anything. Therefore, "assuage" is the most fitting term for describing the act of making something easier or milder.