pacifier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, informal (in its core meaning); formal (in its extended meaning).
Quick answer
What does “pacifier” mean?
A rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
A person or thing that brings peace or soothes agitation; something that has a calming or appeasing effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is primarily used in American English. In British English, the common term for the baby item is 'dummy'. 'Pacifier' is understood but marked as American.
Connotations
In American English, neutral for the object. In British English, the term can sound formal or clinical. The verb-derived meaning ('one who pacifies') carries a slightly formal, sometimes political connotation (e.g., a pacifier of conflict).
Frequency
High frequency in American English in the context of child-rearing. Low frequency in British English for the object. The abstract meaning is low frequency in all dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “pacifier” in a Sentence
The [PARENT] gave the [INFANT] a [PACIFIER].The [INFANT] is crying for her [PACIFIER].[PACIFIER] as a [MEANS] of calming.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pacifier” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The nanny tried to pacify the screaming infant.
- Government measures failed to pacify the protestors.
American English
- She pacified the toddler with a snack.
- The treaty was designed to pacify the region.
adverb
British English
- He spoke pacifically, trying to avoid an argument.
- The crowd dispersed pacifically.
American English
- She smiled pacifically, ending the dispute.
- The demonstration ended pacifically.
adjective
British English
- The minister adopted a pacific tone in the debate.
- His pacific nature made him a good mediator.
American English
- The pacific coastal waters were calm.
- She has a remarkably pacific disposition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The merger deal acted as a pacifier for the anxious shareholders.'
Academic
Rare for the object. Used in political science/history: 'The emperor was a pacifier of the rebellious provinces.'
Everyday
Very common in US English for the baby item. 'Can you find the baby's pacifier?'
Technical
Not a technical term, though may appear in pediatric or parenting literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pacifier”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pacifier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pacifier”
- Using 'pacifier' in everyday UK English may cause confusion; 'dummy' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'pacifire' or 'pacifior'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'toy' or 'distraction' for older children.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is understood but is an Americanism. The standard British term for the baby item is 'dummy'. 'Pacifier' might be used in more formal or commercial contexts (e.g., on packaging).
Yes, but this is a formal or literary use, meaning 'a person who brings peace or soothes conflict'. Example: 'He was the pacifier in many family disputes.'
A pacifier is primarily for sucking to provide comfort. A teething ring is a harder object, often cooled, for a baby to chew on to relieve gum pain from emerging teeth. Their functions overlap but are distinct.
The related verb is 'to pacify', meaning to soothe anger or agitation, or to bring peace to a turbulent area.
A rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
Pacifier is usually everyday, informal (in its core meaning); formal (in its extended meaning). in register.
Pacifier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpæs.ə.faɪ.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's the chief pacifier in the family. (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baby crying, then going quiet (pacific) after being given the PACIFIER. It 'makes peaceful'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALM IS SILENCE / PEACE IS AN OBJECT (you can give someone a pacifier to create peace).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'pacifier' in its extended, abstract sense?