pacify

[ pas-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, pac·i·fied, pac·i·fy·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈpaciˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• pac·i·fi·a·ble adjective
• pac·i·fy·ing·ly adverb
• non·pac·i·fi·a·ble adjective
• re·pac·i·fy verb (used with object) repacified repacifying
• un·pac·i·fi·a·ble adjective
• un·pac·i·fied 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

But the slaying of Arcos, who had vowed to pacify the region, was particularly grisly.

From Los Angeles Times

The main objective of Israel’s counterattacks has been to pacify the area so its citizens can return.

From Slate

We are easier to marginalize and to pacify if we fold ourselves into such tiny boxes.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are under no illusions: we do not believe these meetings are divestment wins. These side-deals are intended to pacify us away from full disclosure & divestment. Rest assured, they will not,” said a statement from the encampment group, Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine.

From Los Angeles Times

In a bigger failure still, they sent tanks and infantry rolling into Gaza without first devising a plan on how to pacify the area after the war is over.

From Slate

Related Words

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