mollify

/ˈmɑː.lə.faɪ/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
To ease someone’s anger or dissatisfaction.

Examples

  • A small concession mollified the protesters.
  • The refund did little to mollify angry customers.
  • She tried to mollify him with an apology.
  • He sounded mollified after the meeting.
  • The statement failed to mollify critics.

Similar words

appease
calm
pacify
soothe
placate

Meanings

Calm anger or objections

verb
social
formal
To make an angry or dissatisfied person less upset, often by offering something or explaining.

Examples

  • The refund did little to mollify angry customers.
  • She tried to mollify him with an apology.
  • A small concession mollified the protesters.
  • The statement failed to mollify critics.
  • He sounded mollified after the meeting.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin mollis, meaning soft, through French. The sense is to soften anger.

FAQ

What does mollify mean?

To mollify someone is to make them less angry or dissatisfied.

When is mollify used?

It often describes a response to complaints, criticism or protest.

How does mollify differ from placate?

Placate is close, but mollify puts emphasis on softening the feeling.

How is mollify used in a sentence?

The refund did little to mollify angry customers.

Is mollify formal?

Yes. Mollify is a fairly formal verb.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...