Pacify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈpa-sə-ˌfī/ pac·i·fy

Meaning & Definition of Pacify

Pacify (verb)

  1. to allay the anger or agitation of, soothe
  2. appease, propitiate
  3. to restore to a tranquil state, settle

Pacify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to lessen the anger or agitation of

    "the only thing that would pacify the child and end the tantrum was a new toy"

    similar: appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, placate, propitiate
    related: calm, comfort, console, content, hush, quiet, soothe, tranquilize, endear (to), ingratiate, delight, gladden, gratify, please, adulate, blarney, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap, quench, sate, satiate, satisfy, cater (to), humor, indulge, blandish, cajole, coax, sweet-talk, wheedle, baby, coddle, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil, dulcify, sweeten
    opposite: anger, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, ire, madden, outrage
    near: aggravate, annoy, antagonize, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, cross, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pique, put out, rankle, rile, roil, ruffle, vex, provoke, rouse, harass, harry, persecute, pester, agitate, discomfort, distress, disturb, fret, perturb, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry, affront, insult, offend, slight

  2. to bring under one's control by force of arms

    "additional ground forces were needed to occupy those areas that had already been pacified"

    similar: conquer, dominate, overpower, subdue, subject, subjugate, subordinate, vanquish
    related: annihilate, beat, clobber, crush, defeat, drub, lick, mow (down), overcome, prevail (over), reduce, rout, skunk, smash, thrash, triumph (over), trounce, wallop, whip, enslave, break, clamp down (on), crack down (on), put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, smother, snuff (out), squash, squelch, suppress
    near: discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pacify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pacify:

appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, placate, propitiate, conquer, dominate, overpower, subdue, subject, subjugate, subordinate, vanquish

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pacify

Words with the opposite meaning of Pacify:

anger, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, ire, madden, outrage

Related Words for Pacify

calm, comfort, console, content, hush, quiet, soothe, tranquilize, endear (to), ingratiate, delight, gladden, gratify, please, adulate, blarney, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap, quench, sate, satiate, satisfy, cater (to), humor, indulge, blandish, cajole, coax, sweet-talk

Near Antonyms of Pacify

aggravate, annoy, antagonize, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, cross, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pique, put out, rankle, rile, roil, ruffle, vex, provoke, rouse, harass, harry, persecute, pester, agitate

Word Forms of Pacify

Inflections: pacified, pacifying

Derived words: pacifiable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Pacify

Middle English pacifien, from Anglo-French pacifier, from Latin pacificare, from pac-, pax peace

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Pacify

What does "Pacify" mean?

"Pacify" means to allay the anger or agitation of, soothe. As a verb, it is defined as: to allay the anger or agitation of, soothe. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pacify"?

Other words for "Pacify" include appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, placate and propitiate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pacify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pacify"?

There are 87 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pacify". Common alternatives include appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, placate, propitiate, conquer and dominate.

What is the opposite of "Pacify"?

Antonyms of "Pacify" include anger, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, ire, madden and outrage. Near antonyms include aggravate, annoy, antagonize and bother.

How do you use "Pacify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pacify" in a sentence: "the only thing that would pacify the child and end the tantrum was a new toy"; "additional ground forces were needed to occupy those areas that had already been pacified".

Is "Pacify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pacify" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Pacify"?

"Pacify" is pronounced /ˈpa-sə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as pac·i·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Pacify"?

"Pacify" comes from Middle English pacifien, from Anglo-French pacifier, from Latin pacificare, from pac-, pax peace. First known use: 15th century.