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pacify

[ pas-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈpæs əˌfaɪ /
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See synonyms for: pacify / pacified / pacifies on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), pac·i·fied, pac·i·fy·ing.
to bring or restore to a state of peace or tranquility; quiet; calm: to pacify an irate customer.
to appease: to pacify one's appetite.
to reduce to a state of submission, especially by military force; subdue.
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Origin of pacify

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Old French pacef(i)ier, pacifier, from Latin pācificāre “to make peace”; see pacific, -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM pacify

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pacify in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pacify

pacify
/ (ˈpæsɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)
to calm the anger or agitation of; mollify
to restore to peace or order, esp by the threat or use of force

Derived forms of pacify

pacifiable, adjective

Word Origin for pacify

C15: from Old French pacifier; see pacific
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
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