Placate: meaning, definitions and examples

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placate

 

[ ˈpleɪ.keɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a conflict situation

To make someone less angry or hostile by giving in to their demands or grievances. It involves soothing or calming someone's emotions in order to restore peace or reduce tension.

Synonyms

appease, conciliate, pacify, soothe

Examples of usage

  • His boss tried to placate him by offering a pay raise.
  • She placated the upset customer by offering a refund.
  • The government attempted to placate the protesters by promising reforms.
Context #2 | Verb

in a personal relationship

To satisfy someone by making them less angry or upset. It involves trying to please or pacify someone in order to maintain harmony or avoid conflict.

Synonyms

assuage, calm, mollify, reassure

Examples of usage

  • He tried to placate his girlfriend by apologizing and buying her flowers.
  • She placated her friend by listening to her concerns and offering support.

Translations

Translations of the word "placate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aplacar

🇮🇳 शांत करना

🇩🇪 besänftigen

🇮🇩 menenangkan

🇺🇦 заспокоювати

🇵🇱 uspokajać

🇯🇵 なだめる (nadameru)

🇫🇷 apaiser

🇪🇸 aplacar

🇹🇷 yatıştırmak

🇰🇷 달래다 (dallaeda)

🇸🇦 يهدئ (yahda')

🇨🇿 uklidnit

🇸🇰 upokojiť

🇨🇳 安抚 (ān fǔ)

🇸🇮 pomiriti

🇮🇸 róa niður

🇰🇿 тыныштандыру

🇬🇪 დამშვიდება (damshvideba)

🇦🇿 sakitləşdirmək

🇲🇽 aplacar

Word origin

The word 'placate' comes from the Latin word 'placatus', which means 'calmed' or 'appeased'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of placating others has been present in various cultures throughout history, often as a means to avoid conflict or restore peace.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,049, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.