Pacification: meaning, definitions and examples

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pacification

 

[ ˌpæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in conflict resolution

The act of calming or settling a situation of conflict or unrest through the use of diplomacy, negotiation, or force if necessary.

Synonyms

calming, conciliation, settling.

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Word Description / Examples
pacification

Used in situations involving the restoration of peace, often in contexts of conflict resolution, military or political disputes.

  • The government initiated a pacification process to restore order in the conflict zones
calming

Typically used in everyday situations to refer to making someone or something less agitated or anxious. Often used in personal or emotional contexts.

  • She spoke in a calming voice to soothe the crying baby
settling

Can be used in various contexts, often referring to resolving disputes or making a situation stable. Can be about legal, personal, or situational matters.

  • After months of arguments, they finally reached a settling agreement
conciliation

Often used in legal, negotiation, or diplomatic settings to describe efforts to bring conflicting parties to an agreement or to improve relationships.

  • The mediator's role is to promote conciliation between the disputing parties

Examples of usage

  • His pacification of the region prevented a full-scale war.
  • The pacification of the protesters was achieved through peaceful dialogue and compromise.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

The policy of establishing peace and order in a region, especially through the suppression of rebellion or resistance.

Synonyms

peacekeeping, repression, subjugation.

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Word Description / Examples
pacification

When referring to the process of bringing peace to a region, especially after conflict or turbulence, through negotiation or agreements.

  • The government initiated a pacification process to restore order in the conflicted area
peacekeeping

Used in contexts involving international or military efforts to maintain peace and prevent conflict in a specific region. Generally has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • International troops were deployed on a peacekeeping mission to ensure stability in the war-torn country
subjugation

Used to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control, often by force, with a clear implication of dominance and oppression. Has a strong negative connotation.

  • The conquest led to the subjugation of the indigenous population, stripping them of their rights and freedoms
repression

Best suited for situations where force or excessive control is used to suppress dissent or prevent disorder. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The regime's repression of the protestors was widely condemned by the international community

Examples of usage

  • The pacification of the rebellious tribes was a priority for the colonial administration.
  • The pacification efforts were met with resistance from the local population.
Context #3 | Noun

emotional context

The act of soothing or calming someone's emotions or fears.

Synonyms

comforting, reassuring, soothing.

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Word Description / Examples
pacification

Used in formal or political situations where you need to bring peace, often after conflict or disagreement.

  • The government's efforts at pacification helped end the uprising.
  • The peace treaty was necessary for the pacification of the warring factions.
comforting

Used when you want to make someone feel better emotionally, often in personal interactions.

  • She offered comforting words after hearing the bad news.
  • A warm hug can be very comforting when someone is feeling sad.
soothing

Used to describe actions or things that reduce physical or emotional tension, often gentle and relaxing.

  • The sound of the ocean waves was very soothing.
  • She found the music to be extremely soothing after a long day at work.
reassuring

Used when you want to remove doubt or fear from someone's mind, often in personal or professional situations.

  • The doctor's reassuring words helped alleviate our concerns about the surgery.
  • He gave her a reassuring smile before she went on stage.

Examples of usage

  • The pacification of the child's fears was achieved through gentle reassurance.
  • Her pacification of his anger was a testament to her empathy.

Translations

Translations of the word "pacification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pacificação

🇮🇳 शांति स्थापना

🇩🇪 Befriedung

🇮🇩 pendamaian

🇺🇦 миротворення

🇵🇱 uspokojenie

🇯🇵 平定 (へいてい)

🇫🇷 pacification

🇪🇸 pacificación

🇹🇷 yatıştırma

🇰🇷 평정 (平定)

🇸🇦 تهدئة

🇨🇿 pacifikace

🇸🇰 pacifikácia

🇨🇳 平定 (píngdìng)

🇸🇮 pacifikacija

🇮🇸 friðun

🇰🇿 бейбітшілік орнату

🇬🇪 მშვიდობა

🇦🇿 sakitləşdirmə

🇲🇽 pacificación

Etymology

The word 'pacification' has its origins in the Latin word 'pacificare', which means 'to make peaceful'. It gained prominence in the context of military operations to restore peace or order in a region. The concept of pacification has been used throughout history by various rulers and governments to quell rebellions, maintain control, or resolve conflicts. The term has evolved to encompass not only the use of force but also diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and stability.

See also: pacificatory, pacifier, pacifying.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,652, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.