peace-offering

A child brings a peace-offering of flowers to a friend.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gift to restore peace: A "peace-offering" is a gift or gesture given to someone in order to end a conflict, apologize, or make amends after a disagreement or offense.
   • A religious sacrifice (historical/formal): In some religious contexts, a "peace-offering" refers to a sacrificial offering made to a deity as an expression of thanksgiving, reconciliation, or covenant.

Usage Examples

• (A gift intended to resolve a quarrel.)
• (A gesture to repair damaged relations.)
• (A religious ritual of reconciliation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to make a peace-offering": to offer something to someone as a sign of goodwill or apology.
  • He made a peace-offering by fixing her broken fence. (He repaired the fence to show he wanted peace.)
• "to accept a peace-offering": to receive such a gift, indicating a willingness to forgive.
  • She accepted his peace-offering with a smile, and they reconciled. (She took the gift as a sign of forgiveness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Peace (n): a state of tranquility or freedom from conflict.
  • They signed a treaty to bring peace to the region. (An end to war.)
• Offering (n): something presented as a gift, contribution, or sacrifice.
  • The church collected offerings for the poor. (Donations.)
• Peacemaker (n): a person who tries to settle disputes.
  • She acted as a peacemaker between the two friends. (She helped them reconcile.)

Synonyms

• Apology gift: a present given to express regret.
• Olive branch: a symbol of peace or an offer of reconciliation (often used metaphorically).
• Tribute of reconciliation: a formal gift to restore harmony.

Related Idioms

• Bury the hatchet: to make peace and end a conflict.
  • After years of rivalry, they decided to bury the hatchet. (They reconciled.)
• Extend an olive branch: to make an offer of peace or reconciliation.
  • He extended an olive branch by inviting his former enemy to dinner. (He made a peace-offering.)

Note on Usage

• The term is often used informally for small, symbolic gifts (e.g., flowers, a meal) given after a minor disagreement. In formal or historical contexts, it may refer to a specific religious or diplomatic ritual.