v.
Pronunciation: ' pa-s ə - ˌ f ī
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -fied ; -fy · ing
Etymology: Middle English pacifien, from Anglo-French pacifier, from Latin pacificare, from pac-, pax peace
Date: 15th century
1 a : to allay the anger or agitation of : SOOTHE < pacify a crying child> b : APPEASE , PROPITIATE
2 a : to restore to a tranquil state : SETTLE <made an attempt to pacify the commotion> b : to reduce to a submissive state : SUBDUE <forces moved in to pacify the country>
– pac · i · fi · able \ ˌ pa-s ə - ' f ī - ə -b ə l \ adjective
synonyms PACIFY , APPEASE , PLACATE , MOLLIFY , PROPITIATE , CONCILIATE mean to ease the anger or disturbance of. PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming < pacified by a sincere apology>. APPEASE implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions < appease their territorial ambitions>. PLACATE suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill <a move to placate local opposition>. MOLLIFY implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger <a speech that mollified the demonstrators>. PROPITIATE implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being < propitiated his parents by dressing up>. CONCILIATE suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences < conciliating the belligerent nations>.