pacify

/ˈpæsɪfaɪ/

VERB

1. To bring peace to a place or situation

To restore peace or order by ending conflict, fighting, violence, anger, or agitation.

1.1. Ending conflict and restoring peace

To bring peace to a troubled place or situation by stopping fighting, violence, or hostility.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • agitate
  • antagonize
  • incite
  • provoke
  • inflame
  • stir up

Examples

  • The government attempted to pacify the region after months of violent unrest.
  • The mediator worked tirelessly to pacify tensions between the opposing groups.

Related Words

1.2. Calming an angry or agitated person

To make someone less angry, upset, or excited by calming, reassuring, or comforting them.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • anger
  • agitate
  • annoy
  • enrage
  • exasperate
  • irritate
  • provoke
  • upset

Examples

  • She tried to pacify the angry customer by listening carefully to his complaint.
  • The gentle lullaby helped pacify the crying baby.

Related Words

VERB

2. To appease or satisfy someone

To reduce someone's anger, dissatisfaction, or demands by giving them what they want or by using reassuring or conciliatory actions.

2.1. Satisfying demands or grievances

To make someone less dissatisfied or hostile by meeting their demands, addressing their concerns, or offering concessions.

Synonyms

  • appease
  • placate
  • propitiate
  • satisfy
  • gratify
  • conciliate
  • assuage

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company offered refunds to pacify customers who were unhappy with the delayed delivery.
  • The manager tried to pacify the employees by addressing their concerns about working conditions.

Related Words

2.2. Comforting or soothing someone

To ease someone's distress or anxiety through gentle treatment, reassurance, or comforting gestures.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • A warm embrace helped pacify the frightened child.
  • He spoke softly to pacify his anxious friend.

Related Words