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appease

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "appease": To appease someone is to pacify or placate them by acceding to their demands, often in an attempt to

What does "appease" mean?

To appease someone is to pacify or placate them by acceding to their demands, often in an attempt to restore peace or avoid conflict. The mental image is that of a person offering a small gift or making a concession to calm down an angry or restless individual, hoping to satisfy their immediate needs so that the tension dissipates. This word often carries a subtle undertone of weakness or strategic compromise, particularly in political or diplomatic contexts where "appeasement" might imply giving in to unreasonable demands to prevent a larger war. In everyday life, it is used more neutrally to describe the act of soothing someone who is upset or hungry, such as "appeasing a crying child" or "appeasing one's hunger."

"appease" in conversation

Negotiating a project deadline

The client is furious about the delay. We need to offer them a discount.

The client is furious about the delay. We need to offer them a discount.

Will a discount really appease them? They seem more interested in the final delivery.

Will a discount really appease them? They seem more interested in the final delivery.

Used here to suggest that a material concession might not be enough to solve a deeper problem.

Dealing with a hangry friend

I'm so hungry I can't even think straight.

I'm so hungry I can't even think straight.

Here, have this granola bar to appease your appetite until we get to the restaurant.

Here, have this granola bar to appease your appetite until we get to the restaurant.

A common, less formal use of the word meaning to satisfy a physical craving.

"appease" in a sentence

  1. He gave the child a toy to appease her.

    He gave the child a toy to appease her.

  2. The government tried to appease the protesters by promising new reforms.

    The government tried to appease the protesters by promising new reforms.

  3. History warns us that attempting to appease an aggressor often only emboldens them further.

    History warns us that attempting to appease an aggressor often only emboldens them further.

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