The act of gaining the favor or goodwill of someone; appeasing a god, spirit, or person.

The act of gaining the favor or goodwill of someone; appeasing a god, spirit, or person.

• A. Appeasement
• B. Conciliatory gesture
• C. Propitiation
• D. Inducement

Answer: (C)

Gaining someone’s favor, especially a god or spirit, through acts intended to soothe anger or secure goodwill is propitiation. This term specifically carries a religious or ritual nuance, describing rites, offerings, or respectful acts aimed at appeasing a deity or supernatural being to win their favor or avert their wrath. Appeasement, while related to reducing anger, is broader and not restricted to religious contexts. A conciliatory gesture is a general attempt to ease tensions and mend relations, again not necessarily about pleasing a divine being. Inducement refers to offering something to persuade a person to act, which is more about motivation than sacred appeasement. Thus, propitiation best matches the given definition.

Gaining someone’s favor, especially a god or spirit, through acts intended to soothe anger or secure goodwill is propitiation. This term specifically carries a religious or ritual nuance, describing rites, offerings, or respectful acts aimed at appeasing a deity or supernatural being to win their favor or avert their wrath.

Appeasement, while related to reducing anger, is broader and not restricted to religious contexts. A conciliatory gesture is a general attempt to ease tensions and mend relations, again not necessarily about pleasing a divine being. Inducement refers to offering something to persuade a person to act, which is more about motivation than sacred appeasement. Thus, propitiation best matches the given definition.