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P/Pacifist
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Visual memory aid for Pacifist

Pacifist

A person who opposes war and works to promote peace between nations.

noun
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Imagine This

If you have a calm fist, you will refuse to fight.

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Sounds Like

PAS-uh-fist

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Looks Like

Pacify (calm) fist (hand)

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Remember This

Pacify means to calm; pacifier is a rubber nipple for a baby to suck on to calm down.

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Other Forms

pacifyverb
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Connect With

peace, diplomacy, nonviolence, antiwar activism, pacifism

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Note

Note: Do not confuse pacifist with pacific (peaceful) or pacify (to calm). The suffix -ist indicates a person who practices or advocates the root idea.

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Study Deeper

Examples
  • She identified as a pacifist and refused to participate in military service.
  • The pacifist movement championed nonviolent resistance and diplomacy.
Synonyms
dovepeacemakerantiwar activistnonviolent advocatenonbelligerent
Antonyms
warmongermilitaristbelligerent
Etymology

From the root pac- meaning peace, via Latin pacificus 'peaceful' and pacify; formed with the suffix -ist to indicate a person who practices or advocates. The word entered English through French and Latin influences.

Mnemonic

paci-fist: pacify the fist; a pacifist is someone who avoids fighting by calming the urge to strike.