appease

verb  C1
Plain meaning

calm someone down by giving them what they want

Exam-register meaning

In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss calm someone down by giving them what they want in a more precise way.

In context
naturalThe team tried to appease critics before the deadline.
examThe passage suggests that institutions may need to appease critics in order to improve long-term outcomes.
Common collocations
appease criticsappease votersappease anger
Watch out
Do not pair it with a random object. Learn the full pattern, e.g., “appease critics”. Also avoid confusing it with “satisfy”.
Quick check — can you use it?

The passage suggests that institutions may need to  ______  critics in order to improve long-term outcomes.

Practice all 660 words free →

More C1 words to master
cancellation fee awe-inspiring calorie-conscious blissful at a rate of knots