placation

It had been foolish to believe that the U.S.S.R. could collapse so peacefully, that its ghosts would not demand placation.

What O’Hara gets so right, regardless of the apparent setting, is the relentless rhythm of placation and perturbation.

For hearing people, the promise to learn sign language is less a promise of action than a placation, as if they are attempting to comfort themselves more than me, perhaps shedding some guilt.

Joe Rogan says the placation of “woke” activists has put the U.S. on a trajectory where “straight white men are not allowed to talk.”

But screeching bagpipes, jittery timpani and sorrowful violin interludes keep full rest out of reach, implying that just around the corner from placation, something sinister lies in wait.