pacify (ˈpæsɪˌfaɪ
)
Definitions
verb
(tr)- to calm the anger or agitation of; mollify
- to restore to peace or order, esp by the threat or use of force
Alternative Forms
ˈpaciˌfiable adjectiveWord Origin
C15: from Old French pacifier; see pacificSynonyms
View thesaurus entry= calm (down)
appease,
placate,
still,
content,
quiet,
moderate,
compose,
soften,
soothe,
allay,
assuage,
make peace with
mollify,
ameliorate,
conciliate,
propitiate,
tranquillize,
smooth someone's ruffled feathers clear the air with restore harmony to
Usage examples
She ordered a first course to pacify the equally snobbish waiter, then passed the time sorting through the contents of her handbag.
, The Endless Game (1986)A well-dressed Sikh stepped out to pacify the gathering crowd.
India Today (1996)A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the arrest could give fresh impetus to efforts to pacify Iraq.
New Zealand Herald (2003)That opened up a five-point lead for the Suffolk side at the top of the Championship but did nothing to pacify Williamson.
Sun, News of the World (2005)The French response was to ` pacify " the region in typical colonial fashion, killing thousands of Muslims.
, The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)