Appease Meaning and Definition
Appease
Pronunciation
/ˈpiːz/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To satisfy or gratify someone’s desires, needs, or demands; to pacify or placate
Examples
- The politician appeased the crowd with promises of new jobs.
- The chef appeased the diner’s cravings with a decadent dessert.
Synonyms
- Satisfy
- Gratify
- Pacify
Antonyms
- Provocate
- Inflame
Etymology
The word “appease” comes from the Old French “apaiser,” meaning “to calm” or “to soothe,” and is derived from the Latin “apacisci,” meaning “to pacify.”
Usage Notes
Appease is often used in formal or official contexts, such as politics or business, to describe the act of satisfying someone’s demands or needs.
Cultural References
The phrase “appease the masses” is often used in the context of politics, business, or media to describe the act of catering to public opinion or sentiment.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Appease the masses”
- “Pacify the crowds”
Related Words or Phrases
- Pacify
- Satisfy
- Gratify
Collocations
- Appease angry crowds
- Appease difficult customers
Frequency of Use
Appease is a relatively formal and infrequently used word in everyday language.
Common Misspellings
Appease is often misspelled as “appeas” or “apaise.”