ENGLISH
REFERENCE

appease

v.
C1 Advanced US //əˈpiz// UK //ɐpˈiːz// ap·pease

v. to give someone what they want so they will stop being angry or causing trouble. It often means doing something you do not really want to do just to keep the peace.

v. to pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands. Often carries a negative connotation of compromising principles to avoid immediate conflict.


SIMPLE

The manager tried to appease the angry customer with a refund.

CONTEXTUAL

The government introduced minor tax reforms to appease the protesters, though many felt the changes did not go far enough.

COMPLEX

Historians often debate whether the policy was a genuine attempt at diplomacy or a failed effort to appease a regime that had no intention of honoring its treaties.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English apesen, from Old French apeser (“to pacify, bring to peace”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a person, group, or an abstract noun like 'hunger' or 'curiosity'.

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