propitiate
UK/prəˈpɪʃieɪt/US/prә'piʃieit/
TOEFLGREC1
Definitions
v.
To win the goodwill of someone, especially a god, by doing something to please them; to appease
讨好，安抚（尤指神灵）；使息怒
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom propitius (favourable) + -ate (to make) = to make a god favourable toward you — to win them over, usually with offerings. The pet- thread is 'to seek/pursue someone's favour.' Now used for appeasing any angry or powerful party.
Root pet still carries 37 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.propitiate the gods安抚神灵
- 2.propitiate angry spirits平息愤怒的神灵
- 3.propitiate an enemy安抚敌人
Example Sentences
- 1.
Ancient farmers offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods.
- 2.
He tried to propitiate his angry boss with an apology.