had been placating

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of placate.
  placate

  verb (used with object)

  to appease or pacify, especially by concessions or conciliatory gestures.

Related Words

• appease
• assuage
• mollify
• pacify
• reconcile
• satisfy
• soothe