Meaning & Definition of word "Appease"

Appease

/əˈpiːz/

verb:

  • 1. To pacify or placate (someone) by granting concessions.
    • Example: The government tried to appease the protesters by promising reforms.
  • 2. To soothe or calm (a situation or a person).
    • Example: She attempted to appease her angry friend with an apology.
  • 3. To bring to a state of peace or quiet.
    • Example: The manager hoped to appease the tensions in the office with a team-building exercise.

Etymology

Middle English 'appeasen', from Old French 'apaisier', from 'a-' (from) + 'pais' (peace).

Common Phrases and Expressions

appease the crowd:

to calm the audience or group by addressing their concerns or demands

appease someone's anger:

to soothe or mitigate someone's anger by concessions or apologies

appease a demand:

to comply with a request or demand to avoid conflict

Related Words

pacification:

The act of bringing peace and calming hostilities.

soothe:

To gently calm or bring comfort.

placate:

To make someone less angry or hostile.

Slang Meanings of appease

Meaning: To give in to avoid problems.

Example Sentence: He decided to appease her by letting her choose the movie.

Meaning: To buy peace.

Example Sentence: Sometimes you just have to appease the kids with ice cream.