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Appeasement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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appeasement

[ษ™หˆpiหzmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international relations

The action of appeasing; the state of being appeased. In the context of international relations, it refers to the policy of making concessions to an aggressor in order to avoid conflict.

Synonyms

conciliation, pacification, placation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
appeasement

Often used in a political or historical context to describe conceding to demands to avoid conflict, sometimes viewed negatively as giving in.

  • The policy of appeasement adopted by the government was criticized for being too lenient with the aggressor state.
  • Many believe that appeasement only encouraged further aggression.
conciliation

Used in contexts involving resolving a dispute or restoring friendly relations by making concessions or compromises.

  • The company's conciliation efforts helped resolve the strike peacefully.
  • Conciliation between the warring factions was essential for establishing lasting peace.
pacification

Often used in a military or authoritative context to describe efforts to bring peace or order, sometimes through force. Can have a negative connotation of using oppressive measures.

  • The government's pacification campaign in the region faced criticism for its harsh methods.
  • Pacification of the area was achieved, but at a great cost to the local population.
placation

Used when referring to efforts to calm someone down or make them less angry by giving in to their demands, often considered a temporary solution.

  • His attempts at placation did little to ease her anger.
  • The manager's placation of the unhappy customer involved offering a full refund.

Examples of usage

  • The policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany in the 1930s ultimately failed to prevent World War II.
  • The appeasement of a dictator only emboldens them to further aggression.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The act of pacifying or soothing someone or something. It can also refer to the act of relieving or reducing tensions or hostilities.

Synonyms

calming, reassurance, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
appeasement

Often used in political or diplomatic situations where someone is making concessions to avoid conflict. It can have a negative connotation, implying weakness or surrender to demands.

  • The policy of appeasement only emboldened the aggressor.
  • The leaderโ€™s approach of appeasement was criticized as a show of weakness.
calming

Used when someone is trying to reduce stress, anxiety, or anger in another person or situation. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • Listening to peaceful music can be very calming after a stressful day.
  • She spoke in a calming voice to help the child feel better.
soothing

Used to describe something that has a gentle calming effect, often physically comforting or relaxing.

  • The soothing sound of waves helped her fall asleep.
  • A warm bath can be very soothing after a long day.
reassurance

Typically used when someone is providing comfort or confidence to someone else, making them feel less worried or frightened. It often implies ongoing support.

  • Her words of reassurance helped him get through the difficult time.
  • He needed a bit of reassurance to take the next step.

Examples of usage

  • The mother's appeasement of her crying baby calmed him down.
  • The appeasement of the situation prevented it from escalating into a full-blown conflict.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originates from the Old French word 'apaisier,' which means to calm or pacify.
  • In the context of history, it became widely used during the 1930s, especially relating to the actions of Western nations towards Nazi Germany.
  • The Munich Agreement of 1938 is a key example, where leaders tried to avoid conflict by allowing Hitler to annex parts of Czechoslovakia.

Politics

  • Appeasement can be a controversial strategy; some argue it prevents war, while others say it encourages further aggression.
  • Notable figures, like British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, famously believed appeasement was the best way to maintain peace before World War II.
  • The concept also applies to modern negotiations, where countries may offer concessions to resolve tensions peacefully.

Psychology

  • Appeasement behavior can also be observed in personal relationships, where one person may give in to avoid conflict.
  • Psychologically, individuals may appease as a defense mechanism to reduce anxiety in tense situations.
  • Over time, excessive appeasement may lead to unhealthy relationships or power imbalances.

Literature

  • In literature, appeals to appeasement often illustrate moral dilemmas, showcasing the conflict between ethics and survival.
  • Many authors explore themes of compromise versus conviction, especially in narratives about leadership and historical events.
  • George Orwell's works often critique appeasement, arguing it leads to moral decay and loss of integrity.

Origin of 'appeasement'

The term 'appeasement' originated from the verb 'appease' which comes from Old French 'apaisier', meaning to calm, pacify, or reconcile. The concept of appeasement has been a topic of debate and criticism in the realm of international relations, particularly in the context of the policy towards aggressive regimes in history.

See also: appease, appeasing, unappeasability.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,253, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.