pacify

/ˈpæsɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpæsɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpa-sə-ˌfī/ (ame, mw)

pacify — verb

  • pacifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • pacifieshe / she / it
  • pacifiedpast simple
  • pacifying-ing form

1. to make an angry or upset person feel calmer and more willing to accept the situ

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make an angry or upset person feel calmer and more willing to accept the situation

例句

Antonia brought tea and kind words to pacify the angry customer.

pacify + person after a complaint

A short break helped pacify the children after the noisy bus ride.

同義詞
  • calm

    the broad everyday choice for making someone less upset

  • soothe

    often used for emotional pain, worry, or physical discomfort

  • placate

    suggests stopping complaints by giving or promising something

反義詞
  • provoke

    to make someone angrier or more upset

  • agitate

    to make feelings of anger or worry stronger

文法句型

pacify + person/group

用法筆記

The object is usually a person or group that is already complaining, angry, or upset. It is more formal than 'calm' and often suggests trying to stop resistance or protest.

常見錯誤

❌A warm blanket pacified the baby to sleep.
✅A warm blanket calmed the baby to sleep.
💡'pacify' usually suggests easing anger, protest, or agitation, not simply helping someone relax.

2. to make a place peaceful again by ending fighting, violent disorder, or armed re

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a place peaceful again by ending fighting, violent disorder, or armed resistance

例句

Government troops were sent to pacify the border towns after the attack.

pacify + place in military or political writing

The king hoped a new treaty would pacify the province without more bloodshed.

同義詞
  • quell

    focuses on stopping rebellion or disorder by force

  • subdue

    emphasizes overpowering opposition

  • stabilize

    broader and less forceful, often used in policy language

反義詞

文法句型

pacify + place/region

用法筆記

The object is a place or population, not one upset individual. This use is common in military and political writing and can imply force or strict control rather than gentle reassurance.