The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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placate

verb

/pləˈkeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of placate

To pacify, calm, or appease someone's anger, resentment, or discontent in order to restore peace or reduce conflict.
"He tried to placate the angry customer with an apology and a refund."

Detailed meaning of placate

When we use the term "placate," we emphasize the effort to satisfy or soothe another person's emotions, often by making concessions or offering reassurances. Placating typically involves taking actions or using words that address someone's grievances or concerns, with the goal of easing their agitation or dissatisfaction. This term is often used in contexts where there is a need to defuse tension, resolve disputes, or maintain harmonious relationships. Placating reflects a willingness to compromise or accommodate in order to restore a sense of calm and goodwill.

Example sentences containing placate

1. I try to placate my toddler when he throws a tantrum.
2. The diplomat used his soothing words to placate the hostile crowd.
3. She attempted to placate her angry colleague with a sincere apology.
4. The politician made promises to placate the discontented voters.
5. The teacher used humor to placate the students' restlessness.
6. He offered a compromise to placate the opposing sides in the negotiation.

History and etymology of placate

The verb 'placate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'placare,' which means 'to calm' or 'to appease.' This Latin term itself is associated with the noun 'placare,' meaning 'pleasing' or 'acceptable.' The idea conveyed by 'placate' is that of making something pleasing or agreeable, particularly in the context of emotions. When we use 'placate' in modern language, it signifies the act of pacifying, calming, or appeasing someone's anger, resentment, or discontent in order to restore peace or reduce conflict. Thus, the etymology of 'placate' reflects its historical connection to the notion of making things pleasant or agreeable, especially in the realm of emotions, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.

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Further usage examples of placate

1. The manager worked hard to placate the frustrated customer.
2. The therapist used relaxation techniques to placate her anxious patient.
3. The parent used bribery to placate the crying child.
4. The team captain gave a motivating speech to placate the disappointed players.
5. The chef prepared a special dish to placate the dissatisfied customer.
6. The mediator tried to placate the conflicting parties by finding common ground.
7. The CEO introduced new policies to placate the disgruntled employees.
8. The customer service representative offered a discount to placate the upset customer.
9. The hostess offered complimentary drinks to placate the waiting guests.
10. The doctor prescribed medication to placate the patient's pain.
11. The coach delivered a pep talk to placate the demoralized team.
12. The teacher allowed extra time for the assignment to placate the overwhelmed students.
13. The boss provided flexible working hours to placate the stressed employees.
14. The speaker used logical arguments to placate the skeptical audience.