propitiate

[ pruh-pish-ee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·pi·ti·at·ed, pro·pi·ti·at·ing.

1. to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.

   Antonyms: arouse, anger

propitiate

/ prəˈpɪʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to appease or make well disposed; conciliate

Derived Forms

• proˌpitiˈatious, adjective
• proˈpitiable, adjective
• proˈpitiative, adjective
• proˈpitiˌator, noun
• proˌpitiˈation, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pi·ti·a·ble [pr, uh, -, pish, -ee-, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• pro·piti·ating·ly adverb
• pro·piti·ative adjective
• pro·piti·ator noun
• nonpro·piti·a·ble adjective
• nonpro·piti·ative adjective
• unpro·piti·a·ble adjective
• unpro·piti·ated adjective
• unpro·piti·ating adjective
• unpro·piti·ative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propitiate¹

1635–45; < Latin propitiātus, past participle of propitiāre to appease. See propitious, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of propitiate¹

C17: from Latin propitiāre to appease, from propitius gracious

Synonym Study

See appease.

Example Sentences

As a father of two young daughters, I found DeSantis' Molochian offering — to propitiate those with little to no regard for life or the suffering of others — behavior unworthy of anyone's vote.

From Salon

Some people eager to propitiate Putin have suggested the “Finlandization” of Ukraine.

From Washington Post

The killings were often said to propitiate the Gods, to ensure good weather for crops, or to keep a royal personage comforted with his servants in the hereafter.

From Slate

“Yes, please. I like old Sam so well, I think I’ll try the second volume,” returned Jo, hoping to propitiate him by accepting a second dose of Boswell’s Johnson, as he had recommended that lively work.

From Literature

Especially I felt this when I made any attempt to propitiate him.

From Literature