Here's a breakdown:
* Appease: To make someone less angry or hostile by giving them what they want.
* Pacify: To calm down or make peaceful.
* Win favor: To gain approval or acceptance from someone or something.
* Avoid negative consequences: To prevent something bad from happening.
Examples:
* "The company offered a large donation to propitiate the angry community after the environmental disaster."
* "The ancient ritual was performed to propitiate the gods and ensure a good harvest."
Essentially, propitiation involves taking steps to make a situation more favorable by addressing whatever is causing dissatisfaction or potential harm.