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mollify

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "mollify": To mollify someone is to calm their anger or anxiety, usually by making a peace offering or showing

What does "mollify" mean?

To mollify someone is to calm their anger or anxiety, usually by making a peace offering or showing a conciliatory attitude. The mental image is that of smoothing out ruffled feathers or pouring oil on troubled waters to bring a tense situation back to a state of quiet. You will typically find this word in formal writing or professional settings. It is often used in contexts involving negotiations, customer service, or conflict resolution, where a person is actively trying to soften the hard feelings of an aggrieved party.

"mollify" in conversation

Customer Support

I’ve issued a full refund to mollify the client after the shipping delay.

I’ve issued a full refund to mollify the client after the shipping delay.

Good call, let's hope that keeps them from leaving a bad review.

Good call, let's hope that keeps them from leaving a bad review.

Used here to describe calming an angry customer.

Political Dispute

Do you think this new policy will be enough to mollify the protesters?

Do you think this new policy will be enough to mollify the protesters?

I doubt it; they are looking for structural change, not a temporary fix.

I doubt it; they are looking for structural change, not a temporary fix.

Used in a formal, high-stakes context.

"mollify" in a sentence

  1. She brought him a coffee to mollify his bad mood.

    She brought him a coffee to mollify his bad mood.

  2. The government released a statement attempting to mollify the public's growing fears about the economy.

    The government released a statement attempting to mollify the public's growing fears about the economy.

  3. Nothing the company did could mollify the shareholders after the quarterly losses were revealed.

    Nothing the company did could mollify the shareholders after the quarterly losses were revealed.

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