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Placation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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placation

[pleษชหˆkeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

The act of satisfying a desire or need through an artificial or contrived means.

Synonyms

appeasement, conciliation, pacification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
placation

When someone wants to calm another person down or make them less angry, especially as a temporary solution.

  • His placation efforts were obvious when he brought flowers after their argument.
  • The manager's placation of the angry customer included offering a discount.
appeasement

This word is often used in a political or historical context when making concessions to an aggressive party to avoid conflict. It can have a negative connotation implying weakness.

  • The policy of appeasement was criticized for allowing the aggressor to gain too much power.
  • The government's appeasement of the protestors led to a temporary halt in demonstrations.
pacification

Often used in a military or oppressive context to describe the act of bringing peace through control or suppression, and can carry a negative connotation.

  • The pacification of the region involved setting up military checkpoints.
  • The government's pacification tactics were seen as overly harsh by the international community.
conciliation

Used in situations where resolving a dispute or bringing about a peaceful agreement between opposing parties is the goal.

  • The mediator's role is essential in the conciliation process.
  • After weeks of tension, both sides finally agreed to conciliation talks.

Examples of usage

  • The placation of his anger through material possessions is only temporary.
  • Her placation of her insecurities through excessive exercise is unhealthy.
Context #2 | Noun

in a relationship

The act of calming someone down by giving in to their demands or requests, often to avoid conflict.

Synonyms

conciliatory, pacificatory, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
placation

Use 'placation' when referring to actions taken to calm someone down or appease them, often in a situation where someone is upset or angry.

  • The manager's attempts at placation did little to resolve the escalating conflict between the employees
pacificatory

Use 'pacificatory' when referring to actions or measures intended to bring about peace, often in the context of conflict resolution or diplomacy.

  • The ambassador's pacificatory efforts were instrumental in achieving a ceasefire agreement
conciliatory

Use 'conciliatory' when describing an attitude or approach intended to make peace or mend a relationship, often after a disagreement or dispute.

  • Her conciliatory tone helped ease the tension during the negotiation
soothing

Use 'soothing' when describing something that calms or relaxes, often in a gentle, comforting way, such as a voice, music, or environment.

  • The sound of the gentle waves had a soothing effect on her frayed nerves

Examples of usage

  • Her constant placation of her partner's demands led to resentment in the relationship.
  • Placation may seem like the easy way out, but it can lead to long-term issues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotional placation is often used in conflict resolution to help alleviate tension between parties.
  • Research in psychology shows that validating feelings is a key technique in placation, helping others feel heard.
  • Studies suggest that a placating approach can sometimes enhance relationships by promoting understanding and empathy.

Communication

  • Effective placation often includes active listening, reflecting emotions back, and using calm, reassuring language.
  • In negotiation settings, placation can be a strategic move to cool down heated discussions and create a more collaborative atmosphere.
  • Using humor appropriately can also be a form of placation in social interactions, easing tension and fostering connection.

Pop Culture

  • Film and literature often depict placation as a tool for characters to resolve conflicts peacefully, seen frequently in family dramas.
  • In popular media, characters may placate others by offering gifts or apologies as a way to mend relationships.
  • Political figures frequently use placation techniques in speeches to maintain public support and calm dissent.

History

  • Throughout history, rulers have used placation as a strategy to maintain peace with rebellious factions or foreign powers.
  • The term becomes especially relevant in discussions of diplomacy, where placation can diffuse tensions internationally.
  • Historical treaties often included clauses aimed at placating dissatisfied parties to ensure long-term peace.

Origin of 'placation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'placatio', meaning 'to soothe' or 'to appease'.
  • It has connections to the Latin root 'placare', which means 'to calm or please'.
  • The shift to its current form in English occurred in the late 15th century when words related to peace began to be more common.

The word 'placation' originates from the Latin word 'placare', meaning 'to calm' or 'to soothe'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century with the same meaning of calming or appeasing. Over time, 'placation' has come to be associated with satisfying desires or needs through artificial means, as well as calming someone down by giving in to their demands.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,906, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.