pacify
PASS-uh-fye
/ˈpæsɪfaɪ/
To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of; to bring peace to a country or warring factions.
Can range from soothing a crying baby to a military force suppressing a rebellion. It often implies a position of power over the one being pacified.
The story behind the word. Directly from the Latin 'pacificus' (peace-making). It has been used since the 15th century to describe both the calming of people and the ending of wars.
Word relationships
- appease: Appease involves giving in to demands; pacify can involve just calming someone down or using force.
- agitate: Agitate means to stir up trouble or excitement.
Commonly confused with
- pacifier: A pacifier is the rubber nipple given to babies to keep them quiet (to pacify them).
Word family
- pacification (noun): The act of forcibly or peacefully bringing peace.
- pacifist (noun): A person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable.
Collocations
- pacify a baby
- pacify a crowd
- pacify the region
Example sentences
- "The mother tried to pacify the crying infant with a colorful rattle." Parenting.
Memory hook
A 'pacifier' is for a baby; 'pacify' is for anyone acting like a baby. Pacify with a peace-offering.
When not to use
In a political context, 'pacify' can sometimes sound cold or imperialistic.
Fun facts
- During the Vietnam War, 'pacification' was a specific term for programs intended to win the 'hearts and minds' of the local population.
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