noun

appeasement

uh-PEEZ-muhnt

noun

The act of calming someone, especially by giving in to their demands to avoid conflict.

"Historians still debate whether appeasement delayed or encouraged the war."

"Critics accused the company of appeasement rather than real reform."

How to Use Appeasement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGiving in to demands to keep the peace, often used critically to suggest it was a mistake.

When to use it

Strongly associated with 1930s foreign policy toward Nazi Germany, so it often carries a critical, cautionary tone today.

Common pairings

policy of appeasement act of appeasement

appeasements plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Historians still debate whether _____ delayed or encouraged the war.

From Old French apaisement, related to "appease."

cement element clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement