* Placate means to calm or appease someone, to make them less angry or upset.
* Ferocious means savage, fierce, or violent.
Therefore, "ferocious" describes a state of being that is the opposite of being calmed or appeased.
However, it's important to note that "ferocious" is not a direct opposite of "placate" in the way that "hot" is the opposite of "cold". It's more of a contrasting concept. Think of it this way:
* Placate: To soothe and calm down.
* Ferocious: To be wild, aggressive, and likely to cause harm or upset.
While "ferocious" might not be a perfectly symmetrical antonym, it certainly describes a state that is incompatible with being placated.