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

'mollify' changed from Middle English word 'mollifien' (from Late Latin) and eventually became the modern English word 'mollify'.

Initially, it meant 'to make soft' (physically); over time it evolved into the current sense 'to soothe or make less severe (feelings, anger, conditions)'.