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appeasement

uh-PEEZ-muhnt /əˈpiːzmənt/

nounC2GREUPSC

politicalhistorical

The action or process of pacifying someone by acceding to their demands, often at the expense of one's principles.

In modern politics, this word almost always has a negative connotation, implying weakness or a failed strategy to avoid war.

The story behind the word. Derived from 'a-' (to) and 'pais' (peace). It literally means 'to bring to peace'. While it sounds noble, its historical association with Neville Chamberlain and Hitler in 1938 changed its meaning forever.

Word relationships

pacification: Pacification is more neutral and can refer to bringing peace to a region; appeasement specifically implies giving in to demands.
placation: Placation is usually used for individuals (calming an angry person); appeasement is usually used for nations or large groups.

defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
confrontation: A hostile or argumentative meeting between opposing parties.

Commonly confused with

concession: A concession is a single item given up; appeasement is the broader policy of giving in to avoid conflict.

Word family

appease (verb): To pacify or placate.

Collocations

policy of appeasement
failed appeasement
appeasement strategy

Example sentences

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." Historical critique
"Critics argued that the new trade concessions were a form of appeasement that would only encourage further demands." Modern politics

Memory hook

You give them a PIECE (peas) of what they want to keep the peace. Feeding the crocodile.

When not to use

Avoid using it for simple acts of kindness; it implies a power dynamic where one side is giving in to a bully or aggressor.

Fun facts

Before World War II, 'appeasement' was considered a respectable term for avoiding the horrors of war through diplomacy.