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Wordabulary

appeasement

Pronunciation
Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

A policy of making concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid conflict.

"Britain's policy of appeasement toward Hitler in the 1930s failed to prevent war."

Usage notes

Now often used critically, implying a policy that only encourages further aggression rather than preventing it.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Britain's policy of _____ toward Hitler in the 1930s failed to prevent war."

Answer: appeasement

In your own words, what does "appeasement" mean?

A policy of making concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid conflict.

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