pacify

One entry found for pacify.

Main Entry: pac·i·fy
Pronunciation: 'pa-s&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English pacifien, from Anglo-French pacifier, from Latin pacificare, from pac-, pax peace
1 a : to allay the anger or agitation of : SOOTHE <pacify a crying child> b : APPEASE, PROPITIATE
2 a : to restore to a tranquil state : SETTLE <made an attempt to pacify the commotion> b : to reduce to a submissive state : SUBDUE <forces moved in to pacify the country>
- pac·i·fi·able /"pa-s&-'fI-&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms PACIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, MOLLIFY, PROPITIATE, CONCILIATE mean to ease the anger or disturbance of. PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming <pacified by a sincere apology>. APPEASE implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions <appease their territorial ambitions>. PLACATE suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill <a move to placate local opposition>. MOLLIFY implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger <a speech that mollified the demonstrators>. PROPITIATE implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being <propitiated his parents by dressing up>. CONCILIATE suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences <conciliating the belligerent nations>.