palliate
v//ˈpælieɪt/<q:verb>/lindra, bagatellisera, förringa, mildra, skyla över, släta över, överskyla
To relieve the symptoms of; to ameliorate. [from 15th c.]
To cover or disguise the seriousness of (a mistake, offence etc.) by excuses and apologies. [from 17th c.]