WordGarden.iopacify
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈæsɪfˌaɪ/
US
- /ˈpæsəˌfaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to calm or soothe an angry, upset, or agitated person or group
to suppress conflict, resistance, or unrest in order to impose peace or order
Beyond the definition
To pacify someone means to calm them down, especially when they are upset or angry. Think of a parent trying to pacify a crying baby with a gentle song or a favorite toy. It's about bringing peace and quiet where there was distress. You might try to pacify an angry customer with a refund, or a worried friend with reassuring words. Sometimes, it can even mean to temporarily satisfy someone's demands to avoid conflict – like offering a small treat to pacify a restless child on a long car ride.
Imagine a stormy sea slowly calming under a clear sky. That's the essence of "pacify." It means to quell someone's anger, distress, or agitation—to bring them into a state of peace and tranquility. The word comes from the Latin pacare, meaning "to make peace." Historically, it often referred to ending conflicts or rebellions, like a ruler trying to pacify a rebellious province through concessions.
Today, we most often use "pacify" in personal interactions. A parent might pacify a toddler with a hug and a story. A diplomat might attempt to pacify warring factions through negotiation. It's about addressing the source of someone's unrest—or at least temporarily easing their discomfort.
However, "pacify" can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation. If you simply pacify someone without truly resolving the underlying issue, it might be seen as a temporary fix or even manipulation. Offering empty promises to pacify an angry mob isn't likely to solve anything in the long run!
So, whether it's soothing a child, negotiating peace, or offering a quick solution, "pacify" is about bringing calm and quiet—though true resolution often requires more than just temporary appeasement.
Examples
- 1
Crying baby
She picked up the crying baby and tried to pacify him.
- 2
Child comfort
The child was finally pacified with a bottle and a soft blanket.
- 3
Angry customer
The manager offered a refund to pacify the angry customer.
- 4
Public criticism
The company changed its policy in an attempt to pacify critics.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Military control
The government sent troops to pacify the border region.
- Domain
In political or military contexts, pacify can mean bring an area under control, sometimes by force.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pacifyverb
Forms
- pacifiedpast tenseverb
- pacifying-ing formverb
- pacifiesverb