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besänftigen

/bəˈzɛːnftɪɡn̩/
verb★Intermediate— to soothe or calm
general

To calm or pacify someone or something, often by reducing anger, fear, or distress.

Der Lehrer besänftigte die aufgebrachten Schüler.

The teacher calmed the agitated students.

Die Musik besänftigte ihre Nerven.

The music soothed her nerves.

💡

Often used in emotional or conflict-related contexts.

Collocations

jemanden besänftigento calm someone downeine Situation besänftigento defuse a situation

Synonyms

beruhigenbeschwichtigenapaisieren

Antonyms

aufregenprovozierenverärgern

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'besänftigen' when describing actions that reduce tension or distress, whether in people or situations.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'besanftigen', from 'be-' (intensive prefix) + 'sanft' (gentle).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as calming emotions or defusing tense situations.

Word Breakdown

be-
intensive prefix
prefix
+
sänft
gentle
root
+
-igen
to make or cause
suffix
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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