pacifier

[ pas-uh-fahy-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that pacifies.
2. a rubber or plastic device, often shaped into a nipple, for a baby to suck or bite on.

pacifier

/ ˈpæsɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that pacifies
2. a baby's dummy or teething ring

Word History and Origins

Origin of pacifier¹

First recorded in 1525–35; pacify + -er ¹

Example Sentences

An earlier version of the episode had Cody scorning the pacifier, saying it was “for babies.”

From Time

Most parents-to-be obsess over necessities like the crib, the bottles, and the pacifiers.

From MIT Technology Review

Most mothers will have stories—strangers commenting on breastfeeding choices, in-laws expressing dismay at a child’s lack of discipline, the cashier who thinks junior is too old for a pacifier.

From Nautilus

In the short silent clip, Maria has a pacifier in her mouth.

From The Daily Beast

She obtained the name of pacifier, mistress, and sovereign of the hard hearts of the chiefs of the Subanos.

From Project Gutenberg

The child was more or less clean, but with this pacifier thing.

From Project Gutenberg

The pacifier would fall on the floor, she would pick it up and stick it in the baby's mouth?

From Project Gutenberg

A herald of the cross genially making him feel his brotherhood with man, and bowing with him in prayer to the Infinite Pacifier!

From Project Gutenberg

As he brushed past the hotel detective standing in the doorway the detective was reholstering a large size police pacifier.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arbitrator
• conciliator
• diplomat
• mediator
• negotiator
• pacifist
• peacekeeper