WordValeappease
to pacify by giving in to demands
In more detail
1. (verb) to calm someone who is angry or upset by giving them what they want
2. (verb) to make something less severe or serious
Examples
- 1. The company offered a refund to appease angry customers.
- 2. A small snack can appease your hunger until dinner.
How to use appease
Appease is used when someone attempts to calm or satisfy an angry or demanding person, often by making concessions. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting weakness or surrender of principles, especially in political contexts (appeasement policy). It is more formal than calm or satisfy, and implies giving in to demands rather than negotiating fairly.
Common phrases
- appease someone's anger
- appease fears
- appease concerns
- appease one's appetite
- appease demands
Synonyms
pacify · mollify · placate · soothe · conciliate
Opposites
provoke · aggravate · antagonize
Word family
appeasement (noun) · appeasing (adjective) · appeasingly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse appease with appeal, which has a different meaning (to make a request or to be attractive). Appease is specifically about satisfying someone to reduce their anger.
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