propitiation
Americannoun
-
the act of propitiating; conciliation.
the propitiation of the wrathful gods.
-
something that propitiates.
Usage
What does propitiation mean? Propitiation is the act of gaining the favor of or making things right with someone, especially after having done something wrong. Propitiation is the noun form of the verb propitiate, meaning to appease or gain the favor of. Close synonyms of propitiation are conciliation and appeasement. Like those words, propitiation is commonly used in a religious context. It’s especially used in Christianity to refer to the act of propitiation that Christians believe Jesus made to atone for sin—or to the atonement that Christians believe they should make to God. Example: Without propitiation, there can be no redemption.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of propitiation
1350–1400; Middle English propiciacioun < Late Latin propitiātiōn- (stem of propitiātiō ) appeasement. See propitiate, -ion
Explanation
Propitiation is an action meant to regain someone's favor or make up for something you did wrong. You might offer your mom a plate of chocolate chip cookies in propitiation for killing all her houseplants while she was away. Propitiation comes from a form of the Latin verb "propitiare," which means “to appease.” If you’re doing something in propitiation, that’s your basic goal: to regain favor. Propitiation often involves a god or gods, traditional or not. If your team lost last year's championship, propitiation of the football gods may be necessary this year. More broadly you can offer propitiation to anyone you need to appease. Propitiation may be needed if you show up late to class again.
Vocabulary lists containing propitiation
Great Expectations
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The Crucible, Acts 1–2
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David Copperfield
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Amidst those great visions that are to dawn upon every human creature, those souls will be in perfect peace who trust in the Great Propitiation.
From Sermons to the Natural Man by Shedd, William G. T. (William Greenough Thayer)
Propitiation is the Godward side of the sacrifice of Christ, with this God is satisfied.
From The Work Of Christ Past, Present and Future by Gaebelein, Arno Clemens
Natural grief, 189; Propitiation of the dead by offerings at grave, 190; Ban of silence, 191; The dead regarded as powerful, 192; Social value of these ceremonies, 193. xiCeremonies of Purification and Consecration.
From Introduction to the History of Religions Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV by Jastrow, Morris
Propitiation is an offering, action, or sacrifice that makes the governing power propitious toward the offender.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
A clergyman coming to a pause in his sermon, one of his auditors from the floor called up "Propitiation;" the preacher thanked him, took the word, and went on with his discourse.
From The Englishwoman in America by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
