take sting out

allay alleviate ameliorate appease assuage blunt lessen lull mitigate pacify placate quell relieve temper

abate calm compose conciliate cool cushion decrease diminish dulcify ease lighten mellow moderate modify propitiate quiet reduce soften sweeten tranquilize

fix up patch things up

aggravate agitate excite incite increase intensify irritate provoke upset worry worsen

anger develop enlarge expand extend grow prolong raise trouble

depress exasperate harass