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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Crucible, Acts 1–2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
David Copperfield
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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
Propitiation, ethical meaning of, 150 ff, 156, 158 ff.Providence, reverence for person in, 232 ff.Psychology, as contributing to sense of mutual influence, 12.Purpose and causality, 42, 43.
From Theology and the Social Consciousness A Study of the Relations of the Social Consciousness to Theology (2nd ed.) by King, Henry Churchill
He fixed all his dying hope upon the Cross, and recommended Clarke's Sermons as fullest on the doctrine of a Propitiation.
From Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes by Gilfillan, George
Propitiation appeases the lawgiver; satisfaction meets the requirements of the law.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
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
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.
