Like its synonym "appease," propitiate means "to ease the anger or disturbance of," but there are subtle differences between the two terms as well. "Appease" usually implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions, whereas "propitiate" tends to suggest averting the anger or malevolence of a superior being.

What is another name for propitiation?

Some common synonyms of propitiate are appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, and placate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being.

What does the Bible mean by propitiation?

Propitiation is the noun form of the verb propitiate, meaning to appease or gain the favor of. ... It's especially used in Christianity to refer to the act of propitiation that Christians believe Jesus made to atone for sin—or to the atonement that Christians believe they should make to God.