pacify — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To bring peace to (a place or situation), by ending (or suppressing) war, fighting, violence, anger or agitation.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   peacifyrepacifyallaylocarnize

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: peacify, repacify, allay, locarnize

   Their orders were to pacify the province by destroying resistance.

2. To mollify, placate or soothe (someone or something).

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   As to your frequent remarks in your letters about pacifying my friend, I have done everything I could and tried every expedient; but he is inveterate against you to a surprising degree, on what suspicions, though I think you have been told, you shall yet learn from me when you come.

   Tell me that you'll call me / Just as soon as you get home / To pacify my heart while I'm alone / I don't like being alone

3. To appease (someone).

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   placatesee others there

   Examples

   Watt decided in the end that an examination of Erskine's room was essential, if his mind was to be pacified, in this connexion.

   Screaming feed me here Fill me up again Temporarily pacifying

Verb

1. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

   Synonyms

   lenifyconciliateassuageappeasemollifyplacategentlegruntle

   Broader terms

   calmcalm downquiettranquilizetranquillizetranquillisequietenlullstill

   Examples

   She managed to mollify the angry customer

2. fight violence and try to establish peace in (a location)

   Broader terms

   establishgive

   Examples

   The U.N. troops are working to pacify Bosnia