Trøst

Trøst is a noun used in Norwegian and Danish (and cognate in Swedish as tröst) that denotes consolation, solace, or comfort offered to someone who is distressed, grieving, or in hardship. It can refer to words, presence, or acts that alleviate emotional pain. The related verb trøste (Norwegian), trösta (Swedish), or trøste (Danish) means to comfort or console. The concept is central to responses to loss, illness, trauma, and other distressing situations.

Etymology and cognates: The term has North Germanic origins, with parallel forms in Danish trøst, Norwegian trøst, and Swedish tröst. These words are related to a broader family of terms for comfort and support across the Germanic languages, tracing back to Proto-Germanic roots associated with reassurance and aid.

Usage: Trøst appears in everyday language, literature, and religious contexts. It can describe both intangible comfort (kind words, empathy) and tangible support (presence, practical help). Common expressions include seeking trøst after bereavement or offering trøst to someone facing hardship. In religious settings, references to God or faith providing trøst are frequent.

See also: Comfort, consolation, solace, support, sympathy. Related verbs include to trøste/trösta, meaning to comfort.

Overview: Trøst denotes a humane, social practice of easing others’ distress through empathy, presence, and care, and it remains a common concept across Scandinavian languages in both secular and religious contexts.