Which one of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word given below?
Pacify
A. Excite B. Soothe C. Deplete D. Tire
GATE 2012 · General Aptitude · Synonyms · medium
Answer: B. Soothe
Analyse the target word: 'Pacify' means to bring about peace or to quiet someone who is upset or angry. Its root is the Latin 'pax' (peace). The word is used in phrases like 'pacify a crying child' or 'pacify hostile regions'.
Evaluate each option: A. Excite = to stir up enthusiasm or agitation — the opposite of pacify. B. Soothe = to calm, comfort, or relieve distress — matches pacify. C. Deplete = to reduce or exhaust — unrelated to calming. D. Tire = to cause fatigue — unrelated to calming or bringing peace.
Select answer: Option B (Soothe) is the correct synonym for 'Pacify'.