ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›P›pacify
ISEE/SSATmedium
pacify
to calm or soothe an angry or upset person
Synonyms
- soothe
- calm
- placate
Antonyms
- agitate
- provoke
pacify in a sentence
The flight attendant tried to pacify the crying toddler with a small toy.
The babysitter hummed a soft tune to pacify the twins after their nap was interrupted by thunder.
Where it comes from
From Latin pacificare 'to make peace'
Memory hook
PACI-fy: bring peace, like a baby's pacifier.
Word parts
- pac — peace
pacify: pac (peace) + -ify (to make)
Read it in context
- The Long Descent Science