English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

appeasement

uh-PEEZ-muhnt

Appeasement (noun) means the act of calming someone, especially by giving in to their demands to avoid conflict. Example: “Historians still debate whether appeasement delayed or encouraged the war.”

noun
1
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

Word forms

appeasements plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “appeasement” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Historians still debate whether _____ delayed or encouraged the war.

Etymology

From Old French apaisement, related to "appease."

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for appeasement

See all rhymes for appeasement →

Frequently asked questions

What does “appeasement” mean?

The word “appeasement” means the act of calming someone, especially by giving in to their demands to avoid conflict. In plain terms, giving in to demands to keep the peace, often used critically to suggest it was a mistake.

How do you pronounce “appeasement”?

“Appeasement” is pronounced uh-PEEZ-muhnt (/əˈpiːz.mənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “appeasement” in a sentence?

Here is “appeasement” used in a sentence: “Historians still debate whether appeasement delayed or encouraged the war.”

What part of speech is “appeasement”?

“Appeasement” is a noun.

Where does the word “appeasement” come from?

The word “appeasement” comes from Old French. From Old French apaisement, related to "appease.".

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial