Appease: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when you want to calm someone down or make them content, especially if they are upset or angry. It often implies a sense of giving in to demands or requests.

• She tried to appease her crying child by giving him a cookie.
• The government made concessions to appease the protesters.

Used when calming someone down or bringing a state of peace. It can be applied to both people and situations that are turbulent or chaotic.

• The mother tried to pacify her upset baby.
• Efforts were made to pacify the conflict-ridden region.

Commonly used when trying to make someone less angry or hostile. It often implies soothing or mollifying a person's anger or feelings.

• He attempted to placate his boss after missing the deadline.
• She placated her friend by apologizing and offering to make amends.

Often used in a more formal or diplomatic context, this word implies the act of reconciling or making peace between conflicting parties. It suggests a deliberate effort to bring harmony.

• The company sought to conciliate the opposing stakeholders.
• His speech was meant to conciliate the divided community.

Used when you want to calm someone down or make someone less angry or more satisfied, often in a situation where they are upset or demanding.

• She brought him a cup of tea to appease his irritation.
• The government tried to appease the angry crowd by addressing some of their demands.

Used when you want to bring harmony or restore friendly relations between people or groups who were previously in disagreement or conflict.

• They decided to reconcile after years of estrangement.
• The mediator worked hard to reconcile the two parties.

Used when you want to indicate making up for a wrong or mistake, often by making some form of compensation or trying to fix the situation.

• He tried to make amends for missing her birthday by taking her out to dinner.
• After the argument, she bought flowers to make amends.

Used in situations where you want to resolve a dispute, come to an agreement, or reach a final decision, often in a legal, financial, or formal context.

• They decided to settle the lawsuit out of court.
• After a long discussion, they finally settled on a name for their new project.