Mollify
Verb
Definition: To calm down or soothe (someone's anger or anxiety).
Synonyms: Appease, Pacify, Soothe
Antonyms: Provoke, Agitate, Irritate
Examples:
- The mother mollified her crying baby by rocking him gently.
- He tried to mollify his boss by offering a sincere apology.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "mellowing" someone's emotions.
Etymology:
Origin:
Mollify comes from Latin "mollificare," from "mollis" meaning "soft" or "pliable."
Historical Usage:The word mollify has been used in English since the late 15th century and has maintained its meaning of soothing or calming down someone's emotions.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Mollify the situation"
Explanation:To take actions or say things in order to make a tense or difficult situation less hostile or confrontational.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing mollify with "pacify" or "appease" as they are similar in meaning.
Explanation:While mollify, pacify, and appease are all synonyms, mollify specifically emphasizes the aspect of calming or soothing someone's emotions.