calmverb
third-person singular calms past tense calmed past participle calmed present participle calming
make peacefulmake someone or something less upset, nervous, or excited
transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]
- She tried to calm the crying baby. V + obj
- Deep breathing can calm your nerves. V + obj
- He spoke softly to calm the frightened horse. V + obj
- The mayor's statement did little to calm the public. V + obj
Synonyms soothe
Antonyms upset
Word family
- calm
- calm
- calmly
Usage
Calm is common both alone with an object, as in the examples above, and in the phrasal verb calm down, which is especially common without an object and when telling someone to become calm themselves: Calm down!
See also calm down (become calm, or make someone become calm; especially common without an object and in the imperative)