Both Uses of
pacify
in
David Copperfield
- I tried to pacify Dora, but she turned away her face, and shook her curls from side to side, and said, 'You cruel, cruel boy!' so many times, that I really did not exactly know what to do: so I took a few turns up and down the room in my uncertainty, and came back again.†
Chpt 43-45
- This, and a few moments' reflection, pacified her; but she was not at all disconcerted by what she had done (though I cannot say as much for her bonnet) and resumed her seat composedly.†
Chpt 52-54 *
Definition:
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(pacify) calm someone who is angry; or establish peaceeditor's notes: Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
"Pacify" is often chosen to imply success in creating a peaceful state. "Placate" can imply that concessions were made and/or that anger was successfully replaced with goodwill. "Mollify" is a more neutral selection.