Meaning & Definition of Placate in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To make someone less angry or hostile.

  Example Sentence: The manager tried to placate the angry customer by offering a refund.

• Definition: To calm or pacify someone.

  Example Sentence: She used soothing words to placate the upset child.

• Definition: To appease or pacify by concessions.

  Example Sentence: He hoped to placate the protesters by addressing their concerns.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'placare', meaning 'to soothe, calm, or appease'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• placate someone's fears: To calm down someone's worries or concerns.
• placate the situation: To resolve or diminish a tense or difficult circumstance.
• placate the masses: To appease a large group of people, especially in a political context.

Translations

• Spanish: aplacar

• French: apaiser

• German: besänftigen

• Russian: умиротворять

Related Words

• appease: To calm or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands.

• calm: To bring peace or tranquility to someone or something.

• pacify: To bring peace to a situation or to someone who is angry.

Slang Meanings of placate

• Meaning: Chill someone out

  Example Sentence: He just needed to chill out after that argument.

• Meaning: Smooth things over

  Example Sentence: Let's smooth things over before the meeting.