propitiate
Make amends to
To propitiate is to appease or win the favor of someone who is angry or might cause harm.
The word often appears in religious contexts—sacrifices propitiate gods, offerings propitiate spirits—but extends to any attempt to placate a threatening power: She brought flowers to propitiate her furious mother-in-law.
The adjective propitiatory describes acts intended to appease.
Make amends for wrongdoing
- redressCompensation for injury
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- reparationCompensation for injury done
- penanceSelf-mortification for wrongdoing
compensate · restitution · atonement · rectify · indemnify · remedy · repentance · contrition
Lessen someone's anger
- mollifyReduce anger or distress
- pacifyTo calm agitation
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- conciliateCalm hostile feelings
assuage · calm · soften · disarm · defuse · gentle · ease · quell
Giving up something precious
- offeringSomething presented or given
- libationCeremonial drink offering
- altarSacred ritual table
- incenseAnger greatly, or aromatic resin
invocation · supplication · votive · oblation · burnt offering · shrine · temple · ceremony
Seek approval through flattery
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
- win overGain another's support
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- flatterPraise to please
brown-nose · kowtow · fawn · grovel · entreat · beseech · supplicate · petition
expiate
Make amends for wrongdoing
- redressCompensation for injury
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- reparationCompensation for injury done
penance · compensate · restitution · atonement · rectify · indemnify · remedy · repentance · contrition · absolution
placate
Lessen someone's anger
conciliate · assuage · calm · soften · disarm · defuse · gentle · ease · quell · subdue
sacrifice
Giving up something precious
incense · invocation · supplication · votive · oblation · burnt offering · shrine · temple · ceremony · worship
curry favor
Seek approval through flattery
- ingratiateSeek another's approval
- win overGain another's support
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
flatter · brown-nose · kowtow · fawn · grovel · entreat · beseech · supplicate · petition · implore