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DictionarypacifyCalm feelings
verb

pacify

PAS-uh-fy/ˈpæsɪfaɪ/

To calm people or bring them into a state of peace.

The parent pacifies the upset child with a gentle touch.

A Black parent calmly reassures a distressed child through a gentle hand on the shoulder.
Etymology
pacifyLatinto make peace; pacify

Latin pacificare meant 'to make peace.' That idea applies both to soothing someone's anger and to restoring calm in a troubled situation.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain299:26
the captain hearing me utter these absurdities concluded I was raving however I supposed to pacify me he promised to give order as I desired
1700s Satire: Jonathan Swift - Gulliver's Travels (Audiobook)

More examples

  • A sincere apology helps pacify the angry customer.
  • She pacified the crying baby by rocking him.
  • The government sends troops to pacify the rebellious region.

Forms

pacify · pacifies · pacified · pacifying

pacification noun — The act of calming people or suppressing resistance.

Similar words

soothe
Emphasizes relieving distress through comfort or gentle reassurance.
appease
Focuses on satisfying demands to reduce anger or opposition.