Alleviation of pain or distress is a term used to describe the reduction of physical or emotional suffering. YOWL, a four letter word, is an expression of strong emotion such as pain or distress. PANG, also a four letter word, is a sudden sharp feeling of physical or mental pain. WINCE, a five letter word, is a facial expression of pain or discomfort. All three words can be used to describe the alleviation of pain or distress.