pacifiable
|pac-i-fi-a-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈpæsɪfaɪəbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈpæsɪfaɪəb(ə)l/
(pacify)
to make peaceful
Etymology
'pacifiable' is formed in English by adding the adjectival suffix '-able' to the verb 'pacify', which means 'to make peaceful' or 'to calm'. 'Pacify' in turn comes from Latin 'pacificare' (via Old French), where 'pax'/'pac-' meant 'peace' and '-ficare' (from facere) meant 'to make'.
'pacify' entered English via Old French (e.g. 'pacifier') from Latin 'pacificare'; later English added the productive suffix '-able' to form 'pacifiable'.
Originally the Latin root meant 'to make peace' (literally 'make peace'), and over time the English verb 'pacify' broadened to mean 'calm or appease'; 'pacifiable' therefore denotes 'capable of being calmed or made peaceful.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
capable of being pacified; able to be calmed, appeased, or brought to peace.
The previously hostile crowd proved unexpectedly pacifiable after the mayor spoke calmly and offered concessions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/20 02:26