'mollify' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'mollificare', where 'mollis' meant 'soft' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'mollify' changed from Old French 'mollifier' and Middle English forms (e.g. 'mollyfien') and eventually became the modern English word 'mollify'.

Initially, it meant 'to make soft', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to soothe or appease (someone), to reduce anger or severity'.