イ, なぐさ.める, なぐさ.む

consolation, amusement, seduce, cheer, make sport of, comfort, console

JLPT1 G7 S15 F1158

As per # (bending figure that is branded) + heart/emotions → *comfort*/*console* a person who has been branded (= a person who is suffering) → *cheer up* → *relief*; *hobby*; *amusement*; *diversion*; *pastime*; *make sport of*. For the idea of comforting a suffering person, compare .

[Full Kanji Etymology List]