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propitiation

noun/prəˌpɪʃiˈeɪʃən/

definition

the act of appeasing or conciliating someone, especially a god

example

The ancient rituals included sacrifices as a propitiation for the gods to ensure a good harvest.

synonyms
expiationatonementappeasement
word origin — from Latin 'propitiatio', from 'propitiatus', past participle of 'propitiare' meaning to appease or conciliate.

propitiation, xerophyte, horripilation, tort, syllepsis: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 165. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. propitiation · noun/prəˌpɪʃiˈeɪʃən/

    the act of appeasing or conciliating someone, especially a god

    The ancient rituals included sacrifices as a propitiation for the gods to ensure a good harvest.

    Synonyms: expiation, atonement, appeasement

    Origin: from Latin 'propitiatio', from 'propitiatus', past participle of 'propitiare' meaning to appease or conciliate.

  2. xerophyte · noun/ˈzɪroʊfaɪt/

    a plant adapted to survive in environments with very little water

    The desert landscape is home to a variety of xerophytes, such as cacti and succulents, which thrive in arid conditions.

    Synonyms: dry plant, drought-resistant plant, succulents

    Origin: The word 'xerophyte' originates from the Greek roots 'xērós', meaning 'dry', and 'phyton', meaning 'plant'.

  3. horripilation · noun/ˌhɔːrɪpɪˈleɪʃən/

    the involuntary bristling of hair on the body due to cold, fear, or excitement

    As the ghost story unfolded, a wave of horripilation washed over the audience, leaving them both terrified and exhilarated.

    Synonyms: goosebumps, chill, hair-raising

    Origin: from Latin horripilatio, from horrere meaning 'to shudder' + pilus meaning 'hair'

  4. tort · noun/tɔrt/

    a wrongful act or infringement of a right leading to civil legal liability

    The lawyer explained that her client could sue for tort damages after the accident caused by the negligent driver.

    Synonyms: wrong, injury, delict

    Origin: From Latin 'tortum', meaning 'twisted' or 'wrong.'

  5. syllepsis · noun/ˌsɪlˈɛp.sɪs/

    a figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses

    The use of syllepsis in his writing allowed him to convey humor by applying the word 'bark' to both a dog and the sound made when trees are stripped.

    Synonyms: zeugma, pun, double entendre

    Origin: from Greek 'syllepsis' meaning 'a taking together'