Nyugtatás

Nyugtatás is a Hungarian noun meaning the act of calming, comforting, or reassuring someone, or the process of reducing anxiety or agitation. It derives from the verb nyugtatni (to calm, soothe, reassure) and the noun suffix -ás. The core sense centers on bringing someone to a state of tranquility or easing distress.

In everyday language, nyugtatás describes reassurance offered to another person, for instance through calm speech, supportive listening, or informative updates that relieve concern. It also covers the broader effect of calming a tense situation, such as crisis communication, where timely information and empathetic response aim to restore composure.

In medicine and psychology, nyugtatás can refer to calming interventions and, more specifically, to the use of nyugtatók (sedatives), where nyugtatás denotes the calming effect of a treatment or medication.

In political or social contexts, nyugtatás may refer to measures intended to pacify a population or restore order, by reducing unrest through dialogue, concessions, or security actions. The term is neutral and descriptive, though its connotations depend on context and the accompanying actions.

Etymology: from nyugta (calm, rest) + -ás; related forms include nyugtatni (to calm or reassure) and megnyugtató (reassuring, soothing).