The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SWEETENS
S
W
E
E
T
E
N
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Pacifies" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pacifies = sweetens.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SWEETENS mean?
SWEETENS verb- To make sweet to the taste.
- To make (more) pleasant or to the mind or feelings.
- To make mild or kind; to soften.
- To make less painful or laborious; to relieve.
- To soften to the eye; to make delicate.
- To make pure and salubrious by destroying noxious matter.
- To make warm and fertile.
- To restore to purity; to free from taint.
- To make more attractive; said of offers in negotiations.
- To become sweet.