placate
PLAY-kaytverbMeaning to calm someone’s anger, often by giving them something
Memory hook a PLAte of CAKE: calm at last. When Grandpa Gus grumbles about the rain, Nana Lou sets a plate of cake in front of him, and the frown melts; she knows how to placate him.
To placate the crying toddler, Dad offered him a ride on his shoulders.
In context The manager tried to placate the angry diners with free desserts, but they still grumbled about waiting an hour for their meal.
Similar appease, pacify, mollify, soothe
Opposite anger, enrage, provoke
From Latin placare, “to calm, to soothe,” related to placere (to please).