Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bring peace to a place or situation, especially by ending violence or conflict: "pacify" means to establish calm and order, often through intervention or force.
   • To soothe or calm someone who is angry, upset, or agitated: "pacify" also means to make a person feel less angry or upset, often by addressing their concerns.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Establishing peace):

  • The government sent troops to pacify the rebellious region.
  • Efforts to pacify the war-torn country have been ongoing for years.

• Verb (Soothing a person):

  • She tried to pacify the crying baby with a lullaby.
  • The manager offered a full refund to pacify the dissatisfied client.

Advanced Usage

• "to pacify a situation": to calm a tense or volatile circumstance.

  • The negotiator's primary goal was to pacify the situation before talks could begin.

• "to pacify one's fears/concerns": to alleviate or calm someone's worries.

  • The doctor's clear explanation helped to pacify the patient's fears about the surgery.

Variants and Related Words

• Pacifier (n): an object, especially a rubber nipple for a baby, used to soothe; or a person or thing that brings peace.

  • The baby stopped crying when given a pacifier.

• Pacifist (n): a person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable.

  • She was a committed pacifist who protested against the war.

• Pacification (n): the act of bringing peace or calming a situation.

  • The pacification of the territory required both military and diplomatic efforts.

Synonyms

• Appease: to placate or pacify, often by making concessions.
• Mollify: to soothe the anger or anxiety of someone.
• Placate: to make someone less angry or hostile.
• Quell: to put an end to a rebellion or other disorder, typically by the use of force.
• Soothe: to gently calm a person or their feelings.

Antonyms

• Agitate: to make someone troubled or nervous.
• Provoke: to stimulate or incite someone to feel or do something, especially anger or violence.
• Upset: to make someone unhappy, disappointed, or worried.

Related Phrases

• "to pacify public opinion": to calm the general sentiment or mood of the populace.

  • The new policy was announced to pacify public opinion after the scandal.

• "pacify with words/actions": to calm someone using speech or deeds.

  • Sometimes, you can pacify a critic with a sincere apology.

Verb

1. fight violence and try to establish peace in (a location)
   • The U.N. troops are working to pacify Bosnia
2. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
   • She managed to mollify the angry customer