Entry Word: quell

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to put a stop to (something) by the use of force <the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown>

Synonyms clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress

Related Words douse, extinguish, put out, quench; smother, stifle, strangle; annihilate, destroy, smash; exterminate, obliterate, wipe out; conquer, overcome, overwhelm, subjugate, vanquish

Near Antonyms abet, aid, assist, help, support; incite, instigate, provoke, stir; advance, encourage, foster, further, promote

2 to stop the noise or speech of <the principal held up her hand to quell the students so they could hear the announcement> — see silence 1