mollify - MOLL-ih-FYE - soothe, appease, tone down, calm
Example: "Too often mothers mollify their crying babies with something to eat."
As a starter: and as a former teacher in English, I hope to add to reader's vocabulary by presenting a word a day in simple terms that anyone can understand - from current use in publications, radio,TV, etc. Remember: use a new word three times in a day and it's yours forever!