Propitiate: meaning, definitions and examples
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propitiate
[ prəˈpɪʃiˌeɪt ]
appeasing a deity
To propitiate means to win or regain the favor of someone or something by means of appeasement. This term is often used in a religious or spiritual context where offerings or sacrifices are made to deities in order to gain their goodwill or avoid their wrath. The act of propitiation is a way of showing respect or ensuring protection. It can also refer to any efforts made to placate someone who is displeased or angry, thereby restoring harmony in relationships.
Synonyms
appease, mollify, placate, reconcile.
Examples of usage
- They offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods during the drought.
- In an attempt to propitiate his angry boss, he brought her flowers.
- The villagers held a feast to propitiate the spirit of the river.
- She tried to propitiate her friends by apologizing for her mistake.
Translations
Translations of the word "propitiate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apaziguar
🇮🇳 संतोषजनक बनाना
🇩🇪 versöhnen
🇮🇩 mendamaikan
🇺🇦 умиротворити
🇵🇱 pogodzić
🇯🇵 和解する
🇫🇷 apaiser
🇪🇸 propiciar
🇹🇷 yumuşatmak
🇰🇷 달래다
🇸🇦 ترضية
🇨🇿 usmířit
🇸🇰 upokojiť
🇨🇳 安抚
🇸🇮 pomiriti
🇮🇸 sætta
🇰🇿 жұбату
🇬🇪 მშვიდობა
🇦🇿 razı salmaq
🇲🇽 apaciguar
Etymology
The word 'propitiate' originates from the Latin term 'propitiare,' meaning 'to render favorable.' This in turn is derived from 'propitius,' which means 'favorable' or 'gracious.' The use of the term can be traced back to ancient rituals where offerings were made to deities in hopes of wining their favor or avoiding their wrath. In historical contexts, propitiation often involved sacrifices, whether of animals, crops, or even human beings in extreme cases. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass broader meanings related to the idea of appeasement and reconciliation in various relationships, not just those of a religious nature. Its first recorded use in English dates back to the early 17th century, reflecting the influence of Classical languages on the development of English vocabulary.