The word "appeasement", pronounced /əˈpiːzmənt/, is spelled with two "e"s and two "a"s. The first "e" and "a" are pronounced as a schwa sound and "æ" respectively, while the second "e" and "a" are pronounced as "i" and "eɪ" respectively. The word comes from the French word "apaiser", which means to pacify or calm. Appeasement refers to the act of satisfying someone's demands or calming their anger or aggression towards a situation, often at the expense of one's own principles or interests.
Appeasement, noun.
1. The act of appeasing, pacifying, or satisfying someone's desires, demands, or aggression to avoid further conflict or trouble. It refers to the diplomatic strategy of making concessions or compromises in the face of aggressive or hostile actions by another individual, group, or nation. Appeasement often involves yielding to demands or giving in to pressures in order to maintain peace or prevent escalation of conflicts.
2. In a historical context, the term appeasement is frequently associated with the policy pursued by certain governments, particularly during the years leading up to World War II. It refers to the approach taken by Western leaders, notably British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, in their attempts to accommodate the Nazi regime's territorial ambitions and aggression in order to prevent war. This policy involved granting concessions to Adolf Hitler's Germany, such as the annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, in the hope of achieving lasting peace and avoiding a large-scale conflict.
3. Appeasement can carry negative connotations as well, as it may imply a weakness or failure to stand against aggression and uphold principles. Critics of appeasement argue that it can embolden aggressors, potentially leading to greater demands and further aggression, while undermining international norms and values.
4. In a broader sense, appeasement can also refer to attempts to satisfy or placate an individual or group through compromise, often in response to perceived grievances or concerns. This may involve making concessions or providing reassurances to address grievances and prevent unrest or conflict.
In summary, appeasement refers to the act of pacifying or accommodating someone's demands or aggression in the hope of maintaining peace or avoiding conflict.
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The word "appeasement" comes from the Old French term "apaisement", which is derived from the verb "apaiser" meaning "to pacify" or "to calm down". The Old French term, in turn, evolved from the Latin verb "pax" meaning "peace". So, the etymology of the word "appeasement" is rooted in the idea of achieving peace or calming down a tense situation.