Meaning & Definition of word "Quench"

Quench

/kwɛntʃ/

verb:

  • 1. to satisfy (thirst or desire) by drinking or causing to drink.
    • Example: After the long hike, I drank water to quench my thirst.
  • 2. to put out or extinguish (a fire or light).
    • Example: The firefighters worked quickly to quench the flames that engulfed the building.
  • 3. to suppress or extinguish (a feeling or a desire).
    • Example: She tried to quench her excitement as she waited for the surprise party.
  • 4. to cool (a hot object) suddenly by immersion in a liquid.
    • Example: The blacksmith quenched the hot iron in water to harden it.

Etymology

Middle English 'quenchen', Old English 'cwencan' meaning 'to extinguish, to quench'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

quench one's thirst:

To drink to satisfy thirst.

quench the flames:

To extinguish a fire.

quench a desire:

To satisfy a strong wish or urge.

Related Words

satisfy:

To meet the needs or desires of someone.

extinguish:

To put out (a fire or light).

douse:

To pour a liquid over; to extinguish.

Slang Meanings of quench

Meaning: To drink alcohol to excess.

Example Sentence: After a long week, he just wanted to go out and quench his thirst at the bar.

Meaning: To end an emotional or intense situation.

Example Sentence: There's nothing like a good joke to quench the tension in the room.