Pacify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😌
pacify
[ˈpæsɪfaɪ ]
Definitions
in parenting
To pacify means to calm, soothe, or appease someone, especially a child, by giving them what they want or by making them feel more comfortable.
Synonyms
appease, calm, placate, soothe.
Examples of usage
- The mother tried to pacify her crying baby by rocking him gently.
- The teacher pacified the upset student by listening to her concerns and offering support.
in international relations
To pacify can also mean to bring peace or tranquility to a group, region, or situation by resolving conflicts or reducing hostilities.
Synonyms
mitigate, reconcile, resolve, settle.
Examples of usage
- The government's efforts to pacify the warring factions in the region were met with skepticism.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly to pacify the tensions between the two countries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows soothing techniques can significantly decrease anger and anxiety in stressful situations.
- Pacifying strategies are essential in therapeutic settings to help clients cope with emotional distress.
Literature
- In many stories, characters often pacify others with kind words, showing the power of communication in resolving conflict.
- Shakespeare used the theme of pacification in his plays to show how empathy can heal divisions between characters.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, leaders have often tried to pacify opposing factions to maintain peace and order in society.
- The Paz de Olmos in 1842 was a significant treaty aimed to pacify the conflicts in Mexico during that era.
Pop Culture
- In movies, heroes often pacify villains by talking them out of conflict, reinforcing the idea that understanding can lead to peace.
- In animated films, characters frequently use humor and distraction to pacify younger characters and resolve tension.
Origin of 'pacify'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'pacificare', which means to make peaceful or calm.
- Initially used in the 14th century, it has evolved but kept its core meaning related to peace.
The word 'pacify' originated from the Latin word 'pacificare', which is derived from 'pax' meaning 'peace' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'. The concept of pacifying has been present in human interactions for centuries, with the goal of promoting harmony and reducing conflicts through peaceful means.