pacify
UK: ˈpæsɪfaɪ | US: ˈpæsɪfaɪ
vt. to calm or soothe someone’s anger or distress
vt. to restore peace or order, especially by force or negotiation
pacify = pac<peace> + ify<to make>
- pac (from Latin pax meaning "peace")
- ify (a verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make" or "to cause")
Etymology Origin:
The word pacify traces back to Latin pax (peace) combined with the suffix -ify, which transforms nouns into verbs meaning "to make." Historically, it described actions to establish peace, whether through gentle means (e.g., soothing emotions) or forceful intervention (e.g., suppressing rebellion). The dual sense reflects its use in both personal and political contexts.
The mother tried to pacify her crying baby with a lullaby.
The government sent troops to pacify the rioters.
His apology did little to pacify her anger.
Diplomats worked to pacify tensions between the two nations.
A warm cup of tea can often pacify nerves before an exam.