quench

verb

quenched; quenching; quenches

transitive verb

1
b
: to put out the light or fire of
quench glowing coals with water
c
: to cool (something, such as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water)
d
: to cause to lose heat or warmth
you have quenched the warmth of France toward youAlfred Tennyson
2
a
: to bring (something immaterial) to an end typically by satisfying, damping, cooling, or decreasing
a rational understanding of the laws of nature can quench impossible desiresLucius Garvin
the praise that quenches all desire to read the bookT. S. Eliot
b
: to terminate by or as if by destroying : eliminate
the Commonwealth party quenched a whole generation of play-actingMargery Bailey
quench a rebellion
c
: to relieve or satisfy with liquid
quenched his thirst at a wayside spring

intransitive verb

1
: to become extinguished : cool
2
: to become calm : subside
quenchable adjective
quencher noun
quenchless adjective

Examples of quench in a Sentence

we thoroughly quenched the campfire before we headed to bed this lemonade really quenches my thirst
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thankfully, certain lifestyle adjustments can help quench the fire. Caroline Tien, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024 Twenty-four centuries later, automakers are relying on electric arc furnaces, hot stamping machines, and quenching and partitioning processes that the ancients could never have imagined. John Johnson Jr., Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 As one of the earliest shows to feature a vampire, this cult classic packs in creatures like witches, zombies, and werewolves — as well as enough melodrama and vintage dark aesthetics to keep viewers' thirst quenched throughout its 1,225 episodes. James Mercadante, Cori Chapman, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2024 Katsuki says his company is seeing more diverse demand even in the low and non-alcohol sector of his business, with consumers demanding more variety and flavored beers to quench their thirst. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quench 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -cwencan; akin to Old English -cwincan to vanish, Old Frisian quinka

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quench was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near quench

Cite this Entry

“Quench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quench. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

quench

verb
1
: extinguish sense 1
quench a fire
2
: to bring to an end
3
: satisfy sense 2b
quench your thirst
quenchable adjective
quencher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on quench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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