If you propitiate someone, you stop them being angry or impatient by doing something to please them. I've never gone out of my way to propitiate people These ancient ceremonies propitiate the spirits of the waters. = appease, placate. to make someone who has been unfriendly or angry with you feel more friendly by doing something to please them = appease (past participle of propitiare, from propitius; PROPITIOUS)