Pacify
mediumPositive tonePAS-ih-fy
verb
Definition
To bring peace to; to calm down; to appease
Memory hook
A PACIFIER calms a baby — to pacify is to make peaceful.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The government tried to pacify the protesters.”
“She pacified the crying baby with a lullaby.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The government tried to ______ the protesters.”
Show answer
pacify
Categories
GRE Tip
Pacify is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "placate" or "mollify" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "agitate".
Related GRE Words
mollify
To appease the anger or anxiety of someone
placate
To make someone less angry or hostile; to appease
propitiate
to appease or win the goodwill of
appease
To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands
assuage
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to satisfy an appetite or desire
tranquil
Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful
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