pacifier

[ pas-uh-fahy-er ]

/ ˈpæs əˌfaɪ ər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR pacifier ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person or thing that pacifies.

a rubber or plastic device, often shaped into a nipple, for a baby to suck or bite on.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

pacificate, pacification, pacificatory, pacificism, pacifico, pacifier, pacifism, pacifist, pacifistic, pacify, pacing catheter

Origin of pacifier

First recorded in 1525–35; pacify + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pacifier

In the short silent clip, Maria has a pacifier in her mouth.
The Mysterious Case of Maria, Greece’s Fake Roma Child|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This project to be his housekeeper was one dear to Meg's heart, the pacifier of her wrath.
Meg's Friend|Alice Abigail Corkran
The pacifier would fall on the floor, she would pick it up and stick it in the baby's mouth?
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
She obtained the name of pacifier, mistress, and sovereign of the hard hearts of the chiefs of the Subanos.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 40 of 55|Francisco Colin

But at such times Basine revealed his interesting talents as a compromiser, fence straddler, pacifier.
Gargoyles|Ben Hecht
The child was more or less clean, but with this pacifier thing.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for pacifier

pacifier

/ (ˈpæsɪˌfaɪə) /

noun

a person or thing that pacifies

US and Canadian a baby's dummy or teething ring

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for pacifier

pacifier

"one who pacifies or appeases," 1530s, agent noun from pacify. The meaning "nipple-shaped device for babies" is first recorded 1904.