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Appease

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To calm or soothe someone’s feelings, often by making concessions or offering something.
2. To bring about peace or quiet, especially after conflict or unrest.
3. To satisfy or meet the demands or expectations of someone or something, often in a way that avoids further conflict.

History and Origin

The word “appease” comes from the Old French apaisier, meaning “to calm” or “to pacify,” which itself is derived from the Late Latin appacare, meaning “to calm down” or “to soothe.” It entered the English language in the 13th century and has since been used to describe the act of calming emotions or tensions, often by offering something to placate a person or group.

Detailed Explanation

“Appease” refers to the act of calming or satisfying someone, usually to avoid conflict or tension. It often involves making concessions or offering something to reduce anger, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.

In political or diplomatic contexts, appeasing might involve compromising with another party to maintain peace or avoid escalating a dispute. In personal relationships, it can involve actions meant to soothe hurt feelings or prevent further arguments. While appeasement can have positive outcomes, such as resolving conflict, it is sometimes criticized when it is seen as overly indulgent or when it encourages negative behavior by rewarding demands.

For example, appeasing a child might involve offering a treat to calm them down, while appeasing a customer might mean offering a refund or discount to resolve a complaint.

Example Sentences

1. The manager tried to appease the angry customers by offering them free drinks.
2. The leader’s efforts to appease the protestors were seen as a necessary step to prevent violence.
3. She attempted to appease her friend by apologizing for her actions.
4. The government was criticized for appeasing the demands of the opposition without addressing the underlying issues.
5. He hoped to appease his guilt by making amends for his mistakes.
6. To appease the situation, the teacher allowed the students to take a break.
7. The king tried to appease his rivals by offering them more territory.
8. They tried to appease the crowd by making a public statement.
9. In an attempt to appease his hunger, he ate a quick snack before dinner.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Pacify – To bring calm or peace to someone, often by soothing their feelings.
2. Soothe – To calm or ease pain, anxiety, or anger.
3. Placate – To make someone less angry or hostile, often through conciliatory actions.
4. Mollify – To reduce someone’s anger or anxiety through gentle actions or words.
5. Conciliate – To stop someone from being angry or upset by doing something that pleases them.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Calm – A state of peacefulness, often resulting from appeasement or soothing actions.
2. Reconcile – To restore friendly relations after a conflict, often involving appeasement.
3. Assuage – To ease or lessen a negative feeling or discomfort, often by satisfying a need.
4. Compromise – A solution or agreement reached by making concessions, often aimed at appeasing both sides.
5. Appeal – A request for help or support, often made to appease someone or seek their favor.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Satisfy – To meet someone’s needs or desires, which can appease them.
2. Propitiate – To win favor or calm someone, especially after an offense.
3. Reassure – To restore confidence or calm in someone who is worried or upset.
4. Tranquilize – To calm or pacify, often through external means, like medication.
5. Content – A state of being happy or satisfied, often as a result of appeasement.

Antonyms

1. Agitate
2. Provoke
3. Incite
4. Exacerbate
5. Irritate