placate
UK: pləˈkeɪt | US: ˈpleɪkeɪt
vt. to make someone less angry or hostile by being conciliatory or giving in to demands
The word "placate" traces back to the Latin placare, meaning "to calm or appease," which shares roots with placere ("to please"). Over time, the term evolved in English to specifically denote the act of soothing anger or hostility, often through concessions or kindness. The suffix "-ate" standardizes it as a verb, emphasizing the action of calming.
The manager tried to placate the upset customer with a full refund.
Offering compromises can help placate opposing parties in a negotiation.
She brought flowers to placate her friend after their argument.
The government announced reforms to placate public unrest.
A sincere apology often placates hurt feelings more effectively than gifts.