The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day on September 6, 2025, was "mollify." Mollify means to lessen anger or reduce intensity. It's used to describe soothing emotional distress. The word originates from the Latin "mollis," meaning "soft." Examples include appeasing angry critics or letting time calm anger. A celebrity's statement might aim to mollify protestors. Mollify is related to "emollient," meaning softening, and "mollusk," referring to soft-bodied animals. The examples illustrate mollifying angry residents and calming anger over time. The word effectively conveys the act of soothing strong emotions. Understanding its Latin roots highlights its connection to softness and calming effects.