pacify

[pas-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

pacified, pacifying 

1. to bring or restore to a state of peace or tranquility; quiet; calm.

   to pacify an irate customer.

2. to appease.

   to pacify one's appetite.

   Synonyms: assuage, mollify, soothe
   Antonyms: enrage, anger

3. to reduce to a state of submission, especially by military force; subdue.

pacify

/ ˈpæsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to calm the anger or agitation of; mollify

2. to restore to peace or order, esp by the threat or use of force

Other Word Forms

• pacifiable adjective
• pacifyingly adverb
• nonpacifiable adjective
• repacify verb (used with object)
• unpacifiable adjective
• unpacified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pacify¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French pacef(i)ier, pacifier, from Latin pācificāre “to make peace”; pacific, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of pacify¹

C15: from Old French pacifier; see _pacific

Example Sentences

The storied university may pay out a huge settlement — rumored to be about $500 million — to pacify an administration increasingly bent on domination of American institutions.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a mercenary quality to the more ostentatious looks; they please crowds or pacify them for long enough to compel closer listening to the intricacies of her music.

From Los Angeles Times

These writers virtually all agree on one point: Of all the tricks used to pacify a population, nothing beats war.

From Salon

India has already cut tariffs on a number of goods in the past few months and is reportedly considering more wide-ranging cuts to pacify Trump.

From BBC

His top priority since taking power has been to unite a bitterly divided Syria, and pacify external relations with its neighbours, while he cements his power and control.

From BBC

Related Words

• allay 
• ameliorate 
• assuage 
• mitigate 
• mollify 
• placate 
• quell 
• repress 
• smooth over 
• soothe 
• tame