Definition of douse
doused
alsodowsed
;dousing
alsodowsing
transitive verb
1 : to plunge into water Blanch the green beans then douse them in a bath of ice water.
2a : to throw a liquid on : drench The books were doused in gasoline and set ablaze. doused herself in perfumeb : slosh
3 [originally in argot use (douse the glim meaning “extinguish the light”) and perhaps of distinct origin] : extinguish douse the lights douse the blaze
intransitive verb
: to fall or become plunged into water
douser
or less commonlydowser
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Origin and Etymology of douse
of obscure origin ◆16th-century douse “to strike, inflict a blow on” may be related but is remote in sense
Origin and Etymology of douse
noun derivative of 1douse
Origin and Etymology of douse
noun derivative of earlier douse “to strike, inflict a blow on,” akin by borrowing or descent to Middle Dutch dossen “to strike, shove,” Early Modern Dutch doesen, German dialect dusen, tusen, tausen
Origin and Etymology of douse
perhaps sense extensions of earlier douse “to strike, inflict a blow on” — more at 3douse
DOUSE Defined for Kids
douse
playDefinition of douse for Students
doused
;dousing
1 : to stick into water He doused his head in the stream.
2 : to throw a liquid on The chef doused the shrimp in sauce.
3 : to put out : extinguish douse a light
Learn More about douse
-
See words that rhyme with douse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for douse Spanish Central: Translation of douse Nglish: Translation of douse for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up douse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!