The correct answer is (D) To soothe (person, feelings, pain); to pacify, appease; or make milder; to lessen a pain or an emotion; to satisfy a hunger, thirst, or other desire.

Assuage comes from Middle English aswage, Old French asouager (to reduce in amount), Latin ad- (to) and suavis (sweet).

Examples of use:

• She attempted to assuage his hurt feelings.
• They were able to do little to assuage her grief.