What does placate mean?
Placate is a formal verb meaning to calm someone who is angry, hostile, or strongly opposed. It often implies that an apology, concession, reassurance, or other gesture is being offered to reduce the person’s anger or resistance. For example, a company might placate dissatisfied customers by issuing refunds, while a politician might placate critics by promising an investigation. The word is useful when the focus is on ending conflict, easing tension, or preventing a confrontation. It is more specific than simply “please,” because it usually involves an existing state of anger or opposition, and it can sometimes carry a slightly critical implication, suggesting that appeasement is the main method of managing dissatisfaction.
verbTo make someone less angry or hostile, especially by offering concessions or making a conciliatory gesture. To placate a person or group is to calm their anger, resentment, or opposition.
- To make someone less angry, hostile, or resentful, especially by making a concession or offering a conciliatory gesture.
- To reduce opposition, tension, or the likelihood of conflict by offering reassurance or meeting demands.
"The company apologized to the residents and offered a refund in an effort to placate them."
"The mayor appointed a committee to placate residents who opposed the development."
"He tried to placate his friend with an apology after the argument."
Placate comes from the Latin word placare, meaning to calm or soothe; the word has been used for centuries to describe quieting angry people or opponents.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of placate
Placate comes from the Latin placare, meaning “to calm, appease, or make peaceful.” The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially in the sense of making a person or group less hostile or angry. Related Latin forms include placidus, “calm” or “peaceful,” and propitiate, related to the idea of gaining favor or averting displeasure.
Related word forms
How placate is actually used
Generally formal and neutral in tone. It can imply that the person is being appeased through concessions, which may be neutral or mildly critical depending on the context.
Easily confused with placate
To placate someone is to calm their anger or hostility, whereas to please someone generally means to satisfy them or make them happy.
Appease can suggest satisfying a demand or desire, often as a means of avoiding conflict, while placate more specifically emphasizes calming anger or hostility.